DHS Creates CP3 Program to Combat Domestic Violent Extremism

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas recently announced the creation of a new Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) that aims to combat terrorism and other forms of targeted violence.

Secretary Mayorkas said of CP3, “CP3 will help build local prevention frameworks to provide communities with the tools they need to combat terrorism and targeted violence. Individuals who may be radicalizing, or have radicalized, to violence typically exhibit behaviors that are recognizable to many but are best understood by those closest to them, such as friends, family, and classmates.”

CP3 will replace the Office for Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention and will use behavioral threat assessment and address factors that could make individuals more prone to radicalization.

Secretary Mayorkas also announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be creating a new domestic terrorism branch within the Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) “to ensure DHS develops the expertise necessary to produce the sound, timely intelligence needed to combat threats posed by domestic terrorism and targeted violence.” I&A will continue to work with local, state, tribal, and private partners to target domestic terrorism and prevent harm to the American people. A major priority of this branch is promoting timely information sharing between law enforcement and around the country.

Targeting domestic terrorism and white supremacy have been major goals for DHS in the new administration. On January 27, 2021, DHS issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin that detailed the threat posed by domestic terrorists. Secretary Mayorkas also designated combating domestic violent extremism as a National Priority Area in FEMA grant programs for the first time in February 2021.