The US Department of Homeland Security on Thursday reported that there has been a surge in online content, including threats to President Joe Biden and other lawmakers, on extremist platforms in the last 48 hours. The report comes on the one year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol insurrection. 

A Department of Homeland Security intelligence memo obtained by CNN warns of potential violence directed against political and other government officials, state and local officials, and high-profile members of political parties. However, there is no indication of a specific and credible plot. 

Also read: Capitol attack: Crucial questions about the January 6 insurrection

The memo, sent from DHS intelligence chief John Cohen to federal, state and local law enforcement, notes that the threat of violence could extend beyond the Washington, DC area. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the postings.

The online content includes a video listing 93 members of Congress who, as per the creators, were involved in voting to certify the 2020 ‘fraudulent’ presidential election. It was posted from a QAnon-related forum, CNN reports. The video calls for the members of Congress to be hanged in front of the White House. 

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Another posting references January 6 as a potential day to conduct assassinations against Democratic political figures, the memo adds. 

Speaking about the increase in threats made against lawmakers, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger had given an estimation of 9600 in 2021.