After months of avoiding questions and deflecting criticism, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi finally admitted in a House Judiciary Committee hearing that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been secretly maintaining a list of domestic terrorist targets under the code name NPSM-7. This revelation has sparked widespread concern and prompted many to question the motives and implications of such a list.
The existence of this secret list was first brought to light by journalist Spencer Ackerman in a recent article for The Intercept. In it, Ackerman revealed that the DOJ’s Counterterrorism Division had been quietly collecting data on American citizens suspected of being involved in domestic terrorism for years, but had never publicly acknowledged this practice. This news caused an uproar among civil rights groups and concerned citizens, who saw it as a clear violation of privacy and an abuse of government power.
Despite the mounting evidence and growing public pressure, Bondi had previously remained tight-lipped on the issue, refusing to confirm or deny the existence of NPSM-7. However, during the House Judiciary Committee hearing, she was forced to address the matter head-on. In a surprising turn of events, she not only acknowledged the existence of the list, but also defended its purpose and use.
According to Bondi, NPSM-7 was created in 2001 as part of the DOJ’s efforts to combat domestic terrorism in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The list, she claims, is used to track individuals who have been identified as potential threats to national security and public safety. Bondi emphasized that the DOJ’s intention is not to target law-abiding citizens, but rather to monitor and prevent potential acts of violence and terrorism.
While Bondi’s admission may have put some concerns to rest, it has also raised new questions about the scope and effectiveness of NPSM-7. Many are skeptical of the list’s criteria for identifying potential domestic terrorists and worry that it may be used to unfairly target certain groups or individuals based on their race, religion, or political beliefs. There are also concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight surrounding the list, with no clear guidelines on how individuals can be removed from it or how long their information will be retained.
Moreover, the fact that NPSM-7 has been kept secret for so long is cause for concern. It begs the question, how many other secret lists or surveillance programs are being used by the DOJ or other government agencies without the public’s knowledge? This lack of transparency and accountability is a serious threat to our civil liberties and calls for immediate action by lawmakers.
The timing of Bondi’s admission is also troubling. Her acknowledgment of NPSM-7 comes at a time when the Trump administration has ramped up its efforts to combat domestic terrorism, with a particular focus on targeting individuals and groups associated with white supremacy and anti-government ideologies. While it is important to address the growing threat of domestic terrorism, it must be done in a way that respects constitutional rights and does not disproportionately impact certain communities.
In light of Bondi’s admission, it is imperative that the DOJ provide more transparency and accountability regarding NPSM-7. The public has a right to know who is on this list, how they were identified, and what actions are being taken as a result. Additionally, there must be clear guidelines and oversight in place to ensure that the list is not being used as a tool for discrimination or political agendas.
Furthermore, lawmakers must take immediate action to address the larger issue of government surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties. The unchecked expansion of surveillance programs and secret lists only serves to undermine the very foundation of our democracy and violates the trust between the government and its citizens. It is time for Congress to hold the DOJ accountable and put an end to these invasive and unconstitutional practices.
In conclusion, Bondi’s admission of the DOJ’s secret domestic terrorist list has shed light on a troubling and controversial issue. While it is important to address the threat of domestic terrorism, it must be done in a transparent, accountable, and constitutional manner. This revelation serves as a wake-up call for lawmakers and the public to demand more oversight and protections for our civil liberties. It is our duty to ensure that our government is not overstepping its bounds and targeting innocent citizens under the guise of national security.
