The Department of Homeland Security, or DHS was created during the time of 9/11. It was mainly focused on threats from groups in foreign countries such as ISIS and al Qaeda. Now, they’re looking at one of the biggest threats to the United States.

“The continuing menace of racially-based violent extremism, particularly white supremacist extremism, is an abhorrent affront to our nation,” stated current Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan. “The struggle and unity of its diverse population, and the core values of both our society and our department.”

White nationalism attacks were clearly on the rise in the United States in the past few months/years, and it was even reported. So while better late than never, this new call is definitely late given the lives lost. “In our modern age, the continuation of racially based violent extremism, particularly violent white supremacy, is an abhorrent affront to the nation,” added McAleenan.

“DHS’s new strategy represents a notable step forward in reflecting evolving threats of violence to Americans,” said Joshua Geltzer. Geltzer is a White House senior counterterrorism director under President Barack Obama. The DHS strategy is to “better analyze the nature and extent of the domestic terror threat and share information with local law enforcement to help prevent attacks,” according to NBC News.

“The clear recognition of today’s white-supremacist threat in an official U.S. government strategy is significant,“ added Geltzer. “Addressing the threat demands candidly characterizing it — and this document is an important step in doing so.”