DHS warns violence against certain health care facilities could escalate following abortion ruling

According to news reports, the Department of Homeland Security is advising law enforcement and others that domestic violent extremists are likely to exploit the recent Supreme Court decision on abortion to intensify violence against a wide range of targets, including both reproductive and family advocacy health care facilities. According to the reports, such facilities remain primary targets for criminal incidents, and violence could escalate against these facilities or personnel.

John Riggi, AHA’s national advisor for cybersecurity and risk and a former FBI agent, said, “Any health care organization that may become a target of extremists from either side of this issue should maintain vigilance, increase physical security where possible, and report any threats, vandalism or suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately.” 

For more information on this or cybersecurity and risk topics, contact Riggi at jriggi@aha.org.