December 11, 2023
Countering Domestic Violent Extremism in the Ranks: Barriers to Recruitment Screening
In early November, a former Army reservist pleaded guilty to a plot, along with a Jan. 6 defendant, to murder Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees working on the Jan. 6 cases. That same week, a former member of the New Jersey National Guard surrendered to local police after a manhunt in connection with federal Jan. 6 charges. These are the most recent developments in Jan. 6-related cases involving defendants affiliated with the military or law enforcement professions. According to data maintained by NPR, approximately 15 percent of the Jan. 6 cases involve defendants with military or law enforcement ties.
Lawful interaction with the technology sector, including social media platforms, is essential to effectively address national security threats, foreign and domestic.
The Jan. 6 cases—and their connection to military, law enforcement, and veteran personnel—echo trends that have existed throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. These most recent trends once again raise the question of whether the United States has a problem with domestic violent extremism (DVE) in the military, veteran, and law enforcement ranks. After almost two years of looking at this question, our current assessment is: Yes, but it’s hard to assess the extent of the problem for at least three reasons.
Read the full article from Lawfare.
More from CNAS
-
Congressional Testimony
Securing U.S. Democracy Initiative
Legal Questions Remain After U.S. Capture of MaduroCNAS senior fellow and general counsel Carrie Cordero joined CNN to discuss the arrest and capture of Venezuelan leader Maduro, legal issues surrounding the military campaign ...
By Carrie Cordero
-
Commentary
National Security Human Capital Program
Key Elements of the 2026 National Defense Authorization ActThis article was originally published on War on the Rocks. Although contemplating the personnel requirements of a large-scale conflict — and with it, the potential for casualt...
By Katherine L. Kuzminski
-
Video
Securing U.S. Democracy Initiative
Nicolás Maduro Indictment ImplicationsCNAS senior fellow and general counsel Carrie Cordero joined CNN to discuss the case brought against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration's interventi...
By Carrie Cordero
-
Video
Securing U.S. Democracy Initiative
U.S. Intervention in VenezuelaCarrie Cordero, CNAS senior fellow and general counsel, joined CNN to discuss the administration's justifications for its intervention in Venezuela. Watch the full interview ...
By Carrie Cordero
