A new report from the Department of Homeland Security said the agency is continuing to prepare for a potential electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack ahead of the November election.
In accordance with an executive order, DHS released the “Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Program Status Report Sept. 3 detailing ongoing efforts to shore up and defend the nation’s power grid from attack.
“EMP weapons have the potential to disrupt unprotected critical infrastructure within the US and could impact millions over large parts of the country,” a DHS press release states.
President Donald Trump signed EO 13865 in March 2019, in which he ordered certain federal agencies to begin coordinating so they could develop “national resilience” plans “and security standards for U.S. critical infrastructure as a national priority,” the release stated. And thus far, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and others have already “taken key actions to address known EMP-related vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure.”
But that said, the threat of an EMP attack is more prevalent and sophisticated now than in 2014 when then-National Security Agency chief Adm. Mike Rogers warned nations including China and “probably one or two other” countries were quickly developing the capability.
“EMP attacks are part of the emerging threats against our nation and demand a response,” said acting DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli. “That is why DHS is taking these contingencies very seriously, working diligently to mitigate our risks and equipping our state and local partners with the resources they need to do the same. We’ve made significant progress and look forward to the work ahead.”
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