DOJ Reports 'Unprecedented Rise' in Threats Against Officials, Fueled by Extremist Rhetoric Online
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Deputy AG Lisa Monaco reported an "unprecedented rise" in threats against public officials across government agencies. Over the past week alone, the DOJ has seen threats to kill a Supreme Court justice and 3 presidential candidates.
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Monaco said rhetoric from Republicans, including Trump, accusing the DOJ of politicization contributes to this "toxicity" and spike in threats. For example, some Republicans have threatened to impeach AG Garland and target FBI Director Wray.
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Monaco said accusations the DOJ targets Trump or favors Biden do a "disservice" to DOJ employees and drive threats up. She unequivocally denied Biden has tried to influence investigations into his son or Trump.
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The DOJ has seen an uptick in threats of violence, particularly against Jewish and Muslim/Arab American communities, since the recent Hamas attack on Israel. The FBI received over 1,800 threats related to this conflict.
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Monaco said the DOJ now worries most about threats from individuals or small groups radicalized online and influenced by various extremist ideologies, especially racially/ethnically motivated ones.