Chairman Thompson Urges DHS to Help Protect State Capitols from Potential Domestic Terrorist Attacks
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urging it to do everything within its power to support Federal, State, and Local partners in securing State capitols and other targeted infrastructure against planned attacks, similar to the one carried out against the U.S. Capitol last week. This week, the FBI issued a bulletin warning that armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols in the coming days.
Under Federal law, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under DHS is tasked with coordinating Federal efforts to secure the Government Facilities critical infrastructure sector in preparing for and responding to elevated threats. Additionally, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) is responsible for serving as a conduit for information sharing and threat information between the Intelligence Community and local governments, leveraging a network of fusion centers.
“On January 6, we once again learned the importance of advanced planning and nimble coordination between branches of law enforcement and security forces. Warning signs were apparently missed, and resources did not deploy quickly enough to prevent destruction and loss of life. One can only imagine the consequences of this episode playing out at less-secured, less-resourced State capitols throughout the country,” wrote Chairman Thompson.
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