1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

Every American, no matter their income, background, race, religion, gender, or LGBTQ identity, deserves to live in a safe community. That goal should unite us all. Yet, while real threats rise, the Trump administration has weakened federal protections and shifted the burden of fighting domestic extremist violence to the states. In 2025, the Department of Justice ended funding for the national database that tracked hate crimes, school shootings, and domestic terrorism, data critical to prevention efforts (Washington Post, March 2025). At the same time, DHS and FBI offices responsible for countering violent extremism were stripped of resources and staff (ProPublica, May 2025). This puts the burden on states that often lack the tools or coordination needed to manage these threats effectively. It’s not about party. It’s about public safety. Most Republicans and Democrats agree that people want police and public safety officials focused on real threats, not scapegoats. Immigrants and international students are not driving violent crime. But domestic extremist groups, including some with a track record of coordinated violence, are growing bolder and better organized. I urge you to take this seriously. Read the full ProPublica report: http://bit.ly/3FzJ9BZ. Prepare, fund, and support programs that protect all Americans. This isn’t partisan. It’s practical and necessary.