THE WEEK’S BIG 3

Amid unprecedented security concerns, due in large part to the Capitol Hill riot two weeks earlier, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46^th President of the United States and Kamala Harris became the first woman and first woman of color to hold the office of Vice President. President Biden issued an executive order ending Trump’s travel ban on noncitizens from 13 countries. Prosecutors filed the first significant conspiracy charge in the U.S. Capitol attack, alleging that three members of the so-called Oath Keepers, an extremist militant group, planned and coordinated ahead of the January 6 assault.

Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.

1) Amid Unprecedented Security Concerns, President Biden and Vice President Harris Take Office

“Noting that he was being inaugurated on the Capitol steps just two weeks after it was stormed by a ‘riotous mob,’ Mr. Biden said the country has been reminded that ‘democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.’” CBS News: READ MORE

+ ADL Resource: Extremism and Political Violence in America -- Current Landscape, Future Outlook

+ Jonathan Greenblatt tweet: We have seen how the rise in extremism and white supremacy has helped sow the seeds of division and hate in this country. Inspiring to hear @POTUS @JoeBiden use his inaugural platform to pledge a commitment to defeating this corrosive hate…

2) Biden Ends Trump’s Travel Ban

“The policy, colloquially known as the ‘Muslim ban,’ first went into effect in January 2017 and became one of Trump’s signature immigration policies. The ban has slowed or altogether halted legal immigration from certain countries that the former administration deemed to be security threats, keeping families apart and even stymieing refugee resettlement.” Vox: LEARN MORE

+ ADL tweet: Our country should never ban entry to people because of their religion. We commend @POTUS & the new admin for making it a Day 1 priority to rescind the Islamophobic #MuslimBan. Now Congress must pass the #NOBANAct to ensure it never happens again…

+ FROM 2017 -- ADL to Supreme Court: Block the Muslim Ban

3) Members of Extremist Oath Keepers Group Planned Attack on US Capitol, Prosecutors Say

“In an amended complaint unsealed Tuesday in federal court, an FBI agent divulged striking new details about the group's efforts. Jessica Watkins, the alleged founder of an Ohio militia, had instructions to make explosives out of bleach printed out at her home, according to the court document.” CNN: FULL STORY

+ ADL Resource: Who are the Oath Keepers?

+ ADL tweet: The Oath Keepers are a loosely organized collection of right-wing anti-government extremists who have been particularly active in the past year…

KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS

IN THE COMMUNITY

Tracking extremist groups: ADL says it’s working with law enforcement to thwart threats in Richmond (NBC Richmond, VA -- Doron Ezickson interviewed)
Local organizations, families seek assistance understanding DC attack (FOX St. Louis -- Karen Aroesty interviewed)
Experts talk about implications of social media crackdown (Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle)

ADL IN THE NEWS

The security efforts being made to protect the presidential inauguration (60 Minutes -- Oren Segal interviewed)
Biden Taps a War on Terror Veteran to Stop White Supremacists (Daily Beast)
Former White Supremacists Are Helping Others Disengage from Hate Groups (The Progressive)

Amid unprecedented security concerns, President Biden and Vice President Harris take office; Biden ends Trump’s travel ban; Members of extremist Oath Keepers group planned attack on US Capitol, prosecutors say