Extremism discussions a ‘first step’ as Pentagon wary of policy changes after Capitol riot

Published March 30, 2021 9:23pm ET



Do not expect major policy changes from Pentagon leaders amid worries about pro-white extremists within the military’s ranks after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Across the Pentagon, FBI agents have descended to help define the meaning of extremism for members of the military and civilian employees. Defense Department policy provides that service members may hold extremist ideologies but not act on them. At a Tuesday press gaggle, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby described his own extremism briefing earlier in the day and explained Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hopes for the 60-day forcewide extremism “stand-down” that will wrap up Monday.

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