US: Former FBI counter-intelligence official warns of risk of domestic terrorism

The recent weekend marked the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with US President Joe Biden speaking out against the extremism that fueled such attacks. However, a former FBI counter-intelligence officer warns that the country may be at risk of facing domestic terrorism.

Speaking on MSNBC, former FBI deputy director of counter-intelligence Frank Figliuzzi said Biden’s call to push back against forces who could put the country’s democracy at risk “hit the mark in terms of anti-radicalization strategy.”

Figliuzzi referred to calling out attempts to undermine democracy and providing a way for people to be part of those who support the country’s democratic institutions.

Figliuzzi cited how the country came together following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, then highlighted the divisions that were now present, especially after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Figliuzzi explained the measures that were taken following 9/11, such as reforming the FBI and establishing the Department of Homeland Security and the passage of the Patriot Act.

“Jan. 6 happens, internal threat, not external threat. No new agencies. No new laws. We still don’t have a domestic terrorism law on the books. We’re trying to fight the battle, but with a greater challenge, which is the insider threat. The threat is us. It’s a different, more challenging threat,” said Figliuzzi.

This comes amidst concerns about the growing influence of right-wing extremist groups, militia groups, white supremacist groups, and neo-Nazis. Such groups in recent years have been carrying out their own attacks, according to Rawstory.

Such attacks include threatening local election officials and federal judges, plots to kidnap and assassinate sitting elected officials, and opening fire on protesters.

During the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Biden invoked the memory of the country’s united response in his remarks commemorating the incident that killed almost 3,000 people. The US leader vowed that the fight against terrorism would continue.

“We will not rest. We’ll never forget. We’ll never give up,” said Biden.

The remarks were in contrast to Biden’s recent warnings of the more evident divisions in the country, including some Republicans who are staunch loyalists to his predecessor posing as a threat to democracy.