Grants awarded to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Project HELP Nevada in Reno to support organizations’ work combatting violence and bringing communities together
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) issued today the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Reno’s Project HELP Nevada have been awarded grants to strengthen their ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism:
“Nevada is a world-class destination that attracts more than 40 million visitors each year from across the world and globe and this grant will help combat any increased risk of violence that comes with ever-growing travel in and out of our state. I thank Secretary Jeh Johnson and the DHS for recognizing the vital work of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Reno’s Project HELP Nevada to reduce the risk of terror and violent extremism in our communities and keep Nevadans safe. The grants for both organizations will ensure that our two largest communities are able to continue combatting attempts to threaten our state and country’s safety and security. I will work tirelessly to make sure that Congress continues to provide funding and support for local efforts that are imperative to our national security.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has been awarded $425,000 to continue its work managing interventions, and Reno’s Project HELP Nevada will receive $150,000 to build on their efforts to challenge the narrative around homegrown violent extremism and terrorism. A total of 31 grants were awarded to a collection of non-profit organizations, local and state governments, and universities. The grant funding was approved by Congress in 2016 and will be used for efforts against violent extremism, including intervention, community engagement, developing resilience, and increasing capacity to confront threats and violence.