Story perspectives

Justice Dept Launches Task Force Targeting Protesters as Domestic Terrorists

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department created Force Vanguard, led by Brian W. Lynch and Jason Kellhofer, to charge Minneapolis and Georgia protesters with domestic-terrorism threats.
The task force applies National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), labeling anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism and anti-Christianity as warning signs, and uses tools like interception, surveillance and RICO statutes.
Critics say the move shows politicized prosecutions and note judges’ distrust, while the department says it protects First Amendment rights.

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Story summary

The Justice Department created Force Vanguard, led by Brian W. Lynch and Jason Kellhofer, to charge Minneapolis and Georgia protesters with domestic-terrorism threats.
The task force applies National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), labeling anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism and anti-Christianity as warning signs, and uses tools like interception, surveillance and RICO statutes.
Critics say the move shows politicized prosecutions and note judges’ distrust, while the department says it protects First Amendment rights.