By Jack Phillips, Epoch Maupin

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has declared a heightened terrorism threat because of “false and misleading narratives,” misinformation, and “conspiracy theories.”

“The United States remains in a heightened threat environment fueled by several factors, including an online environment filled with false or misleading narratives and conspiracy theories, and other forms of mis- dis- and mal-information introduced and/or amplified by foreign and domestic threat actors,” a Feb. 7 DHS bulletin reads.

The agency didn’t state what foreign or domestic actors are responsible for the alleged proliferation of misinformation or disinformation.

“Mass casualty attacks and other acts of targeted violence conducted by lone offenders and small groups acting in furtherance of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances pose an ongoing threat to the nation,” the bulletin reads, noting that some individuals are seeking to “sow discord or undermine public trust in U.S. government institutions.”

Some individuals are calling for violence against critical infrastructure, faith-based institutions such as churches or synagogues, colleges, government personnel or facilities, and other targets, according to the bulletin.

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