An unclassified memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning of the potential for violence after the Supreme Court hands down its decision in a major abortion case.
The memo, which was obtained by Axios and The Hill, was dated May 13 and comes after a leaked draft opinion appears to show the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark abortion case.
The DHS’ Office of Intelligence and Analysis warns that violence could target abortion clinics, houses of worship, or the Supreme Court.
“Some of these threats discussed burning down or storming the US Supreme Court and murdering Justices and their clerks, members of Congress, and lawful demonstrators,” the memo states.
The Hill reports, “Intelligence officials in the Capitol region have since flagged 25 threats on social media to partner agencies. That included posts encouraging violence at a Tuesday protest ‘by sharing images and comments related to terrorist vehicle rammings of lawful demonstrators.'”
The memo states that pro-life advocates could also commit 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,” it warns.
However, the memo also says that violence could come from “pro-choice abortion-related violent extremists.”
“Historically, violent acts related to this issue were primarily committed by abortion-related violent extremists that opposed abortion rights. Going forward, grievances related to restricting abortion access could fuel violence by pro-choice abortion-related violent extremists and other DVEs,” it stated.
Still, it stresses, “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.”
The memo comes after Politico published a report based on a leaked draft of an opinion that appeared to indicate the Supreme Court would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
In a tweet on Sunday, the Women’s March wrote, “Yesterday, we took to the streets and showed the strength of our movement.”
“Tomorrow, we keep fighting. This will be a Summer of Rage across America,” it added.
Yesterday, we took to the streets and showed the strength of our movement.
— Women's March (@womensmarch) May 16, 2022
Tomorrow, we keep fighting. This will be a Summer of Rage across America.
The Week reports Women’s March President Rachel Carmona said, “For the women of this country, this will be a summer of rage. We will be ungovernable until this government starts working for us, until the attacks on our bodies let up, until the right to an abortion is codified into law.”
The Women’s March website states that its goal is “to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.
“Women’s March is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect,” it adds.
