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THE Department of Homeland Security is issuing a warning to expect more acts of violence and copycat shootings in the wake of Buffalo and Uvalde.

The DHS reiterated that the United States remains in a "heightened threat environment" due to recent events and continued adherence to extremist ideologies.

President Biden visited Uvalde, Texas in the wake of the school shooting
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President Biden visited Uvalde, Texas in the wake of the school shootingCredit: AFP or licensors
The Buffalo supermarket shooting targeted a Black neighborhood
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The Buffalo supermarket shooting targeted a Black neighborhoodCredit: AP:Associated Press
Crosses with the names of the victims were planted outside of Robb Elementary School after the shooting killed 19 students and two teachers
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Crosses with the names of the victims were planted outside of Robb Elementary School after the shooting killed 19 students and two teachersCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Uvalde shooting has been named as a possible incident that could be imitated
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The Uvalde shooting has been named as a possible incident that could be imitatedCredit: Reuters
The Uvalde shooting and others could motivate copycat incidents, DHS says
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The Uvalde shooting and others could motivate copycat incidents, DHS saysCredit: AP:Associated Press

"In the coming months, we expect the threat environment to become more dynamic as several high-profile events could be exploited to justify acts of violence against a range of possible targets," the reads.

"These targets could include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities and personnel, U.S. critical infrastructure, the media, and perceived ideological opponents."

Among the "high-profile events" DHS refers to are midterm elections and a decision on Roe v. Wade.

DHS also cited racially or ethnically motivated extremism and also anti-government/anti-authority extremism as reasoning for the heightened threat.

"We continue to assess that the primary threat of mass casualty violence in the United States stems from lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances," the bulletin said.

DHS referenced the recent shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo, as well as last month's incident in Laguna Woods, California targeting a church that serves the Taiwanese community there. The April 2022 New York City subway shooting was also mentioned.

These are just a handful of the recent events that people make look to imitate in the coming months, DHS said.

The agency is also monitoring various online forums in the wake of these, and other, incidents.

The last National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin was posted on February 7, advising Americans of the heightened threat environment.

In that notice, DHS cited "mis- dis- and mal-information" right at the top. That notice expired today and was replaced with the new bulletin, which remains in effect through November 30.

DHS works with partners across all levels of the government to keep Americans safe, including the FBI, the bulletin says.

The department also has its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency that also partners with other sectors of the government.

But DHS encourages Americans to take steps to remain vigilant and safe.

The agency urges people to be safe online and to stay on top of digital media literacy to understand the latest threats and narratives.

DHS also said in the bulletin that people should be prepared for possible active shooter situations. Similarly, there should be preparation for the event of the use of explosive devices.

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The bulletin also issues a reminder that if you see something, say something.

Suspicious activity should be reported immediately to 911.

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