DHS warns violent threats from ‘both sides’ will increase after Roe v. Wade decision

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have cautioned that violence as a result of the possibility of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade could come from either side of the abortion debate, according to Axios.

The DHS are reportedly preparing for a surge in violence following the court’s final decision, and emphasized that political violence could come from both sides of the abortion debate, according to Axios, citing an internal DHS memo. This news comes after numerous attacks on pro-life groups. Two pro-life centers were recently firebombed.

Threats against justices, lawmakers, clergy and healthcare professionals “are likely to persist and may increase leading up to and following the issuing of the Court’s official ruling,” the DHS memo said. These threats reportedly include murder of justices and clerks, burning down or storming the Supreme Court and targeting abortion clinics and places of worship.

The DHS memo has linked pro-life extremists to racism and violence. “Some racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists’ embrace of pro-life narratives may be linked to the perception of wanting to ‘save white children’ and ‘fight white genocide,” the memo said, according to Axios.

The memo goes onto say that extreme rhetoric endorsing violence is constitutionally protected free speech and not necessarily evidence of domestic terrorism.

The memo continued, “The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics does not constitute domestic violent extremism or illegal activity and is constitutionally protected.”

“DHS is committed to protecting Americans’ freedom of speech and other civil rights and civil liberties, including the right to peacefully protest. DHS is also committed to working with our partners across every level of government and the private sector to share timely information and intelligence, prevent all forms of violence, and to support law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe.”