President Biden spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, saying the country needs to “defeat political extremism” and rely on “faith to guide us out of the darkness and into the light” through the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden made video comments at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning for the first time as President of the United States, referring to the coronavirus pandemic, the “existential threat” of the climate crisis, racial injustice and the Capitol riot last month.
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“We witness images we never imagined,” said Biden. “A violent attack on the US Capitol, democracy and a violent threat that claimed lives.”
“We defeat political extremism, white supremacy and domestic terrorism,” said Biden. “For so many in our nation, this is a dark time.”
He added, “So, where do we turn? Faith.”
Biden spoke of his faith, saying that in his “darkest moments, faith provides hope and comfort; it provides clarity and purpose as well.”
“Faith shows the way forward as a nation with a common purpose,” said Biden. “These are not starving Democrats and Republicans – they are our American countrymen, other human beings; they are not Democrats or Republicans who are left without medical care – they are our American countrymen, other human beings; there are no Democrats and Republicans being evicted from their homes – they are our American countrymen, other human beings; these are not Democrats or Republicans losing their lives to this deadly virus – they are our American companions, fellow human beings
He added: “This is not a nation that can, or will, just stand and watch this. It is not who we are.”
Biden said he believes and knows “that we’re going to get through this.” “We need each other. We need to lean on each other; lift each other up,” he said. “Let faith guide us out of darkness and into the light.”
Biden’s comments came after former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama also spoke at the annual breakfast, as did several lawmakers.
Biden’s comments on political extremism echoed his inaugural speech last month.
Upon taking office, Biden requested a “comprehensive threat assessment” of domestic violent extremism from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in coordination with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
Last month, Psaki said “all violence” will be reviewed as part of the Biden government’s effort to combat domestic violent extremism
The announcement came just weeks after the January 6 Capitol rebellion, which left five people dead – including a United States Capitol Police officer – while pro-Trump supporters invaded the Capitol while a joint session of Congress tried to certify votes. polls for Biden’s candidacy in 2020 victory. It also happens when anti-fascist protesters take to the streets of Portland and Seattle to cause destruction and chaos.
Last week, DHS published a National Terrorism Counseling System Bulletin after consulting with the intelligence community and federal law enforcement partners.
“There is currently a high threat environment in the United States that is likely to persist in the coming weeks,” the bulletin said.
The bulletin noted that the agency has no information to indicate any “specific” or “credible” plots, but cited violence and unrest across the country related to the presidential transition.
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“DHS has no information to indicate a specific and credible conspiracy; however, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of government authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived and ideological complaints causes fueled by false narratives can continue to mobilize a wide range of actors with ideological motivation to incite or commit violence, “said the bulletin.
The announcement came after the White House said this week that “all violence” will be reviewed as part of the Biden government’s efforts to combat domestic violent extremism.