WASHINGTON – (INT) - Brian Levin, professor of criminal justice and director of Cal State San Bernardino’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism (CSHE), testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Tuesday to discuss the center’s latest findings on extremist threats to the U.S.

Levin’s conclusion is that it’s coming from within the country.

“White supremacist/far right extremists are now, the most ascendant transnational terror threat facing the homeland,” Levin said in his opening remarks.

“This is coming at a time where, disturbingly, mass shootings overall, including those with mixed or no discernable ideological motives are also rising.”
The three main categories of violent mass offenders are: 1. The Ideologically Motivated (Religious, Political or Hybrid) 2. The Psychologically Dangerous (Sociopath or Unstable) 3. Revenge, Validation or Personal Benefit

Through September 1st, the Gun Violence Archive has enumerated 283 mass shootings (where at least four are shot) across the US this year, the first time since 2016 that there were more than an average of one per day. Moreover, fatalities by rifle (of which semi-automatics are a subset), at 403, reached their highest level in a decade in 2017 according to the FBI.

“The domestic terror threat is a fluid one, with increasingly transnational and internet dimensions. The societal and international divisions that fuel extremism will likely be further exacerbated by a highly charged political season and increasing international instability,” Levin said.

Story Date: September 11, 2019