U.S. officials warn of radical activity

WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has warned law enforcement officials about a rise in right wing extremist activity.

Officials say the ranks of white supremacists could swell amid the worsening recession and the election of America's first black president, The Washington Times reported Tuesday.

The Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis said right wing extremist groups include not just hate groups, but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority.

"It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration," the warning said.

The newspaper reported that the nine-page report was sent to police and sheriff's departments across the United States on April 7.

The warning said the federal government will be working with its state and local officials over the next several months to gather information on right wing extremist activity in the United States.

"Most statements by right wing extremists have been rhetorical, expressing concerns about the election of the first African-American president, but stopping short of calls for violent action," the report said. "In two instances in the run-up to the election, extremists appeared to be in the early planning stages of some threatening activity targeting the Democratic nominee, but law enforcement interceded."