The primary characteristic of a Domestic Extremist Movement is that it consists of U.S.-based individuals or groups advocating extremist ideas. These groups operate within the national framework and are driven by ideologies that might reject conventional societal norms or government authority, often leading to actions that can disrupt public safety or challenge political systems.
Focusing on domestic issues, such movements may be motivated by social, political, or economic grievances specific to the United States, and they often pose unique challenges for law enforcement and community safety. Understanding that these movements are rooted in the domestic landscape is essential for effectively addressing and mitigating their potential impacts on society.
While foreign influences, global ideological conflicts, and religious extremism can certainly play roles in various movements, they do not define the essence of domestic extremist movements, which are primarily characterized by their foundation within the U.S. itself.