U.S. readies for possible violence after abortion ruling -report -Breaking
[ad_1]
© Reuters. FILEPHOTO: Campaigners for abortion rights take part in a protest following the publication of a Supreme Court opinion that suggests the possibility to overturn Roe V. Wade, a decision regarding abortion rights, Washington, U.S.A. May 14, 2022. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Law enforcement agencies prepare for a spike in violence after the U.S. Supreme Court’s highly anticipated abortion ruling. This includes by racist extremists. Axios reported Wednesday, citing a Department of Homeland Security memo.
Officials investigate threats made via social media to justices at the country’s highest court, as well as court staff, churches, and abortion clinics.
Leaked drafts of the opinions in an abortion case have prompted protests. The opinion could dramatically reduce abortion rights. Expect the final ruling to be made by June.
Over the weekend, thousands marched in American cities calling for the right to abortion and vowed the “Summer of Rage”.
Last week, protesters gathered outside of three homes belonging to conservative Supreme Court Justices. The U.S. Justice Department increased security.
The report stated that the DHS intelligence unit’s May 13 memo, which was unclassified, suggested extremists could target pro-life advocates as well and could fuel white supremacists.
“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,'” the department said, according to Axios.
Asked about the report, a spokesperson for DHS said it “is committed to protecting Americans’ freedom of speech and other civil rights and civil liberties, including the right to peacefully protest.”
The spokesperson said that DHS also commits to working with both public and private organizations “to share timely intelligence and information, prevent any forms of violence and support law enforcement efforts in our communities to keep them safe.”
[ad_2]
