On Jan. 6, we witnessed an unprecedented attack on our democracy as our Capitol was assaulted by insurrectionists seeking to overthrow the results of a free and fair election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the weeks and months that followed, the events of that day have come into clearer focus, as has the threat this kind of extremism poses to our country and our institutions. Our military is not immune and the warning signs have been present for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I served in uniform. I know the character of the brave women and men who sacrifice so much to defend our country and the values we cherish. That respect and love of our military calls on us to not only recognize the threat extremism poses to our national security but take action to protect the lives of our servicemembers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extremist organizations intentionally target servicemembers and veterans in their recruiting<\/a>, hoping to use experience gained in our military and turn it against the same American freedoms and values that they previously swore an oath to defend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These organizations are increasingly successful in infiltrating the honored institution of the U.S. Armed Forces. While the number of Americans serving on active duty or reserve is less than 0.4 percent<\/a>, the percentage of terrorist attacks planned or committed by this same group rose to almost 7 percent in 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2020 Gang and Domestic Extremist Activity Threat Assessment<\/a> from Army Criminal Investigation Command found a 66 percent increase in gang or domestic extremist activity from the previous year. According to a 2019 survey<\/a>, more than one-third of all active-duty service members have witnessed instances of white nationalism or ideologically-driven racism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And this growth in extremist activities has had grave consequences: 12 percent of those charged in the Jan. 6, 2021 attempted insurrection at the Capitol had military experience<\/a>. And we\u2019ve now seen individuals who participated in the attack successfully enlist in the United States Army<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t