Top terrorism official says domestic extremism similar to Jan. 6 attack on the rise

July 28 (UPI) -- Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matt Olsen told House lawmakers on Thursday that there's "no doubt" that threats from domestic extremists -- like the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol -- are on the rise.

Olsen testified on Thursday at a hearing before the House judiciary committee examining domestic threats to national security.

In his remarks, Olsen said that close to 900 people have been arrested so far in the Jan. 6 investigation -- and that the number of FBI investigations into violent domestic extremists has more than doubled over the past two years.

"The Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol stands apart. The department's investigation is the single largest domestic terrorism investigation in the nation's history," Olsen told the committee.

"We are committed to holding accountable those who engaged in violence and other illegal acts and to bringing to justice anyone who unlawfully tried to overturn the election. We are upholding our oath to defend the Constitution against those who tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power."

Olsen said that extremists often attack people who participate in civil life, like elected officials, police officers and healthcare workers.

"Our national security mission requires that we protect these fundamental pillars of our democracy."

The Justice Department's top official for combating terrorism, espionage, cyber crime and other national security threats also told the panel that the department is similarly committed to "an unwavering focus" on violent jihadist terror threats abroad.

Olsen said that when individuals or groups try to promote or impose an ideology through acts of violence, those crimes can be among the most dangerous a society can face.

"We have seen a growing threat from those who are motivated by racism. We also see an increasing threat from extremists who spout anti-government or anti-authority ideologies," he added.

Olsen was previously general counsel for the National Security Agency and later served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center.

Thursday's hearing came amid the House's investigation into the Jan. 6 attack and after eight public hearings that detailed efforts by former President Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The Jan. 6 committee expects to hold more public hearings in August or September. Earlier this week, committee member Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said that the panel is considering a subpoena for Virginia Thomas -- the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas who expressed in text messages her support for efforts to overturn Joe Biden's electoral victory.

A number of the pro-Trump radicals who were arrested and tried for their participation in the Capitol assault have been sent to prison.