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Washington AG Task Force Faces Challenges Defining Domestic Extremism

URGENT UPDATE: The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is facing intense scrutiny as its Domestic Extremism and Mass Violence Task Force grapples with defining domestic violent extremism (DVE). During a crucial meeting on September 26, 2023, task force member and Walla Walla County Sheriff Mark Crider declared, “There’s no way we can define domestic extremism,” highlighting the complexities surrounding legally protected speech and actions.

The task force’s mission is to tackle the rising threat of domestic extremism, yet Crider’s comments underscore a significant hurdle: the inability to pinpoint what constitutes extremism without infringing on constitutional rights. “You can’t be the thought police,” Crider emphasized, insisting that the focus should be on policing actions rather than ideas.

Earlier this year, the task force published a preliminary report addressing DVE from a public health perspective but notably omitted a clear definition. Instead, it referenced various interpretations from organizations like the FBI and the Anti-Defamation League. As discussions continue, the task force is now under pressure to establish clear guidelines by its final report due to the governor and state legislature by December 1, 2026.

The meeting also sparked a heated debate about law enforcement practices, particularly regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Cynthia Miller-Idriss from the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab cautioned against the dangers of vigilantism, stressing that releasing personal information about agents could endanger families and children.

Mary McCord, from the Institution for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, criticized the practice of public officials masking their identities, asserting it undermines public trust. “When you become a law enforcement officer, this is part of what you accept,” she stated, suggesting that confidence in their behavior can alleviate the need for anonymity.

Adding to the tension, recent protests against ICE in Illinois escalated, with demonstrators captured on video shouting violent slogans. This incident is part of a worrying trend, with reports indicating a staggering 1,000% increase in threats against ICE agents, according to McCord.

In response to the ongoing discussions, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, criticized the task force’s approach, labeling it a “travesty” and calling for a reevaluation of its funding and objectives. His remarks reflect a broader frustration among some lawmakers regarding the task force’s effectiveness and direction.

As the task force prepares for its next meeting on January 9, 2024, the urgency to clarify its mission and define domestic extremism remains paramount. The implications of these discussions resonate deeply within the community, as they shape the future of law enforcement and civil liberties in Washington State.

With public safety and constitutional rights at stake, the situation is evolving rapidly, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the task force’s actions. This developing story is crucial for understanding the complexities of domestic extremism in America today.

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