The Department of Homeland Security is warning of violence after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade opinion, according to a bulletin obtained by ABC News.
"We expect violence could occur for weeks following the release, particularly as DVEs may be mobilized to respond to changes in state laws and ballot measures on abortion stemming from the decision," the bulletin said. "We base this assessment on an observed increase in violent incidents across the United States following the unauthorized disclosure in May of a draft majority opinion on the case."
There are fears of a "night of rage" on Friday evening.
"Federal and state government officials -- including judges -- and facilities probably are most at risk for violence in response to the decision," DHS warned. "In May, a network of loosely affiliated suspected violent extremists, known as 'Jane's Revenge' -- which has been linked to arson attacks against the buildings of ideological opponents -- shared a post online encouraging a 'night of rage' following the Supreme Court announcement, stating, 'we need the state to feel our full wrath' and 'we need them to be afraid of us.'"
The report came as Americans gathered for rallies protesting the court's ruling.
\u201cCrowd growing at Nashville\u2019s Legislative Plaza to protest the Dobbs decision\u201d— Melissa Brown (@Melissa Brown) 1656109138
\u201cTwo pro choice protests converge at Washington Sq Park\u201d— Gabriel Elizondo (@Gabriel Elizondo) 1656097081
\u201cAt least 1,000 people amassed in Portland Friday for a march and protest in support of abortion rights. \n\nhttps://t.co/qw2et1OqNd\u201d— Bangor Daily News (@Bangor Daily News) 1656108934
\u201cHuge crowd has gathered in #Boston's Copley Square to protest today's Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. #WBZ\u201d— Brad Tatum (@Brad Tatum) 1656109123
\u201cThe protest has grown and now 1st street heading SE is shut down between Broadway and Hill. More still coming. The plan is for this group to march to LA City Hall to join with a few other groups at 5PM.\u201d— Caleigh Wells (@Caleigh Wells) 1656097041
\u201cCrowd gathering at the Wisconsin State Capitol to protest Roe v. Wade being overturned. After a rally, organizers are planning a march down State Street.\u201d— Dylan Brogan (@Dylan Brogan) 1656108645
\u201cPro Roe protest - Nashville, TN\u201d— Rebecca Cardenas (@Rebecca Cardenas) 1656108505
