Watchdog claims government targets conservatives and Christians as terrorists.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Alleged Targeting of Conservatives, Christians, and Republicans

According to a recent report by a nonprofit organization, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using an anti-terrorism program to specifically target conservatives, Christians, and Republicans. The Media Research Center (MRC) obtained exclusive documents through FOIA requests, revealing that federal funds allocated to DHS’ program to prevent violence and terrorism were being misused. This shocking revelation has raised concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the program.

The MRC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to countering media falsehoods and censorship, has been at the forefront of exposing this issue. They obtained documents showing that the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program provided funding to various entities, including state and local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. However, the program’s application process is vague, with projects often focusing on “media literacy.”

For example, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville received a grant to develop “media literacy and online critical thinking skills among local college students.” Similarly, the University of Rhode Island aimed to counter disinformation and conspiracy theories in local communities. While these projects may seem harmless, the concern lies in how DHS evaluates them and whether they are being used to target specific groups.

The Training Project and Research on Extremism

In 2022, the DHS program awarded 43 grants totaling $20 million to various organizations. The University of Dayton, a private Catholic university in Ohio, received a grant of $350 million to implement a training and networking project focused on “media literacy.” The objective of this project, called PREVENTS-OH, is to develop a network of regional organizations to prevent domestic violent extremism.

However, the University of Dayton’s involvement in the program has raised eyebrows. During a conference on the Social Practice of Human Rights, a participant presented a chart equating mainstream conservative groups with militant neo-Nazis. This chart was included in the university’s grant application and suggests a biased perspective. Additionally, another participant at the conference, a DHS agent, appeared in an official capacity, further raising concerns about the program’s objectivity.

Further scrutiny revealed that one of the conference speakers, Michael Loadenthal, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cincinnati, provided instructions on creating dummy accounts on social media platforms to destabilize political movements. Loadenthal, who identified himself as an Antifa member, advocated for infighting among right-wing groups and pressuring online service providers to expel individuals with differing views.

These revelations have sparked outrage and calls for transparency in the DHS program. The MRC’s efforts to expose the misuse of federal funds and the potential targeting of conservatives, Christians, and Republicans are crucial in ensuring fairness and accountability.