The Republican Senator from Arkansas, Tom Cotton, severely criticized Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence, over her belief that “violent extremists” are more dangerous for the country rather than fentanyl.
Fentanyl is an opioid drug and is often prescribed by medical professionals for acute pain management because of its high potency.
However, if fentanyl gets abused or misused, it can be potentially fatal and very dangerous.
Cotton questioned:
“On page 33, you write, transnational, racially, or ethnically motivated violent extremists continue to pose the most lethal threat to U.S. persons and interests. Are you serious? You seriously think that racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists are the most lethal threat that Americans face?”
Haines replied:
“So, yes sir, in terms of..”
While cutting her, Sen. Cotton asked:
“How many people were killed by racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists in the United States last year?”
Haines answered:
“I don’t have the exact number for you right here, but I will get it for you.”
Cotton asked:
“How many people were killed by fentanyl in the United States last year?”
Haines responded:
“As you know, it’s over 100,000 for fentanyl.”
Currently, fentanyl comes under the category of Schedule 2 drugs in the United States.
When combined with alcohol or other drugs, fentanyl abuse can lead to brutal death.
Fentanyl is often illegally produced and is available on the black market. The fentanyl from the black market is mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
