Homeland Security warns of 'heightened threat environment' as eased COVID-19 restrictions reopen public spaces

The Department of Homeland Security warned of an increased threat of domestic terror for the spring and summer Friday as expiring coronavirus restrictions are expected to lead to larger public gatherings, which make appealing soft targets for attackers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance earlier this week, and a number of states are easing restrictions on public spaces, businesses, schools and other community fixtures. Many past incidents have targeted houses of worship and commercial centers, the DHS said, warning that potential attackers could be influenced by foreign terror groups, Internet conspiracy theories and U.S. adversaries like Russia, China and Iran.