DHS says biggest Election Day threat comes from domestic extremists

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning of potential Election Day violence targeting poll workers, government officials and voters. The assessment from the department on Wednesday, Oct. 2, said that the biggest threat comes from lone domestic extremists.

The agency believes that criminals may be driven to violence by racism, bigotry, anti-government rhetoric, conspiracy theories, the Israel-Hamas war and the 2024 presidential election itself.

The report notes that domestic violent extremists “driven by various anti-government, racial, or gender-related motivations” are responsible for at least four attacks in the United States, which led to one death between September of 2023 through July of 2024.

The report also said that two “homegrown violent extremist” attacks, partially motivated by Israel’s war against Hamas, also took place.

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U.S. authorities have reportedly foiled at least 10 additional “domestic violent extremist” and “homegrown violent extremist” plots. In recent months, threats of violence against election officials have also seen an uptick.

DHS officials said they are aware of the approaching one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which they say may add “more fuel to an already challenging and heightened threat environment.”

The department said it is in communication with state and local law enforcement to enhance security on and before Election Day.

Outside forces are also reportedly a threat. DHS asserts foreign terrorist organizations may inspire attacks on the U.S. Additionally, Iran is also on the agency’s radar after officials said that it threatened former President Donald Trump’s life.

Officials also warn that Russia and China will likely continue efforts to undermine U.S. elections through disinformation campaigns.

With a plethora of criminals and “hacktivists” to worry about, the agency said that its threat assessment “will remain high” for the United States.