When public figures whether they be in the media, whether elected officials or former elected officials amplify and spread those narratives, they validate them, and when they validate them, they increase the potential that an individual who`s vulnerable to being influenced, vulnerable to being influenced to commit an act of violence will see this as a legitimate rationale for committing an act of violence.
Cohen discussed the dangers posed by public figures spreading conspiracy theories.
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Our job is not to police thought and speech. Our job is to prevent acts of violence.
The challenges endanger our communities and our way of life, and include terrorism perpetrated by both foreign and domestic actors.
However, we also know that violent extremism can be inspired by various religious, political, or other ideological beliefs.
not using `radicalization.' [Its] focus is not to police thought but to prevent violence.
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