During a confirmation hearing, Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan questioned President-elect Donald Trump's Homeland Security pick, Kristi Noem, about her plans to address the threat of US-based terrorists. Noem, the governor of South Dakota, emphasized the need to focus on domestic terrorism and homegrown terrorism in addition to securing the border.
Noem highlighted the increasing trend of homegrown terrorism, where US citizens become radicalized, posing a significant threat. She stressed the importance of identifying potential threats, monitoring individuals leaving and entering the country, and observing changes in their behaviors to prevent attacks proactively while safeguarding civil rights and liberties.
Expressing concern over recent incidents like the New Year's truck attack in New Orleans, Noem described it as a 'horrific event' that underscores the urgency of addressing security challenges. She urged swift confirmation to enable the Department of Homeland Security to tackle existing threats effectively and prevent future tragedies.
