The river of blood from mass shootings and various extremist threats seem to have convinced them that this is not something they can ignore any longer, regardless of the political pressure. They are even creating a new position called the “Domestic Terrorism Counsel,” which will aid prosecutors around the nation with strategy and legal analysis.

In making the announcement, Carlin pointed out that terrorists can be motivated by “the full spectrum of hate,” including bigotry, anarchism and racism. Considering FBI chief James Comey’s rather startling assertion that the Charleston massacre did not fit the definition of terrorism, this would seem to be a change of direction for the DOJ.

Surprisingly, Carlin also indicated that law enforcement he talks to around the country is specifically concerned about so-called sovereign citizens who reject all government authority. These would be the Cliven Bundy types who don’t recognize the federal government. They are in league with other right-wing extremist like the Oath Keepers, who also reject the authority of the federal government, but they do it in the name of the U.S. Constitution, along with militias and 2nd Amendment zealots, all of whom are armed to the teeth.

More: Paranoid Rise of the Militant Right: Inside the Growing Threat of Domestic Extremism