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NJ AR94
NJ AR94Urges Federal Bureau of Investigation to categorize white supremacists as domestic terrorists.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This Assembly resolution urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to classify as domestic terrorism those crimes committed by members of white supremacy and white nationalist groups in the United States. Prioritizing domestic terrorism cases will result in the allocation of more resources to the investigation and prosecution of these heinous crimes. White extremists have been killing citizens in this country in an array of public places at an increasingly alarming rate. Since 9/11, almost three times as many terrorist attacks in the United States have been by white supremacists and other far-right extremists than by Islamic terrorists. There is no federal crime of domestic terrorism with which these perpetrators specifically can be charged. The FBI defines domestic terrorism as the unlawful use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual based and operating entirely within the United States or Puerto Rico without foreign direction committed against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives. Despite the rise in violence attributed to white supremacist and nationalist groups, the FBI often classifies these acts as hate crimes or gang-related crimes, rather than domestic terrorism. The FBI accords domestic terrorism cases higher priority than hate and gang crimes, which results in more resources, including the assignment of counterterrorism agents, being dedicated to fight domestic terrorism. When deadly hate crimes are not classified as terrorism, the crimes often are investigated and prosecuted by State and local law enforcement agencies who are less equipped and have fewer resources with which to respond. Because white supremacists and white nationalists have become the face of terrorism in the United States, the crimes they commit should be considered domestic terrorism by the FBI.
AI Summary
This resolution urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to classify crimes committed by white supremacy and white nationalist groups as domestic terrorism, which would prioritize these cases and allocate more investigative resources. The resolution highlights the increasing threat of white extremist violence, noting that since 9/11, almost three times as many terrorist attacks in the United States have been perpetrated by white supremacists and far-right extremists compared to Islamic terrorists. Despite the current FBI definition of domestic terrorism, which includes acts of violence intended to intimidate or coerce a population or government, these groups' crimes are often categorized as hate crimes or gang-related offenses instead of terrorism. By reclassifying these crimes as domestic terrorism, the resolution aims to ensure that these cases receive higher priority, more investigative resources, and are handled by specialized counterterrorism agents, rather than being left to potentially less-equipped state and local law enforcement agencies. The resolution also calls for copies to be sent to key federal government officials, including the President, congressional leaders, and the FBI Director, to emphasize the urgency of addressing white supremacist violence.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR94 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/94_I1.HTM |
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