By Rachael Levy 

The Department of Homeland Security for the first time is refocusing some of its grant programs toward fighting domestic violent extremism, a priority under the Biden administration.

In total, state and local governments receiving grants will be required to spend at least $77 million combating domestic violent extremism, the department said on Thursday.

"While we continue to lawfully protect against threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations, we also must ensure adequate focus and funding is provided to combat domestic terrorism, some of which is motivated by false narratives and extremist rhetoric spread through social media and other online platforms," DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 25, 2021 14:16 ET (19:16 GMT)

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