A Federal Program Designed to Prevent Violence and Terrorism Faces Setbacks Amid Layoffs

The United States government has long prioritized the prevention of targeted violence and terrorism, establishing programs to identify and intervene with individuals who may pose threats before they act. One such initiative, the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), has recently faced significant challenges. Established as a redefined version of post-9/11 programs, CP3 aims to prevent tragedies by equipping community members—such as parents, teachers, coaches, and religious leaders—with the tools to recognize early warning signs of violence. However, the program has encountered a major obstacle: the loss of nearly 20% of its staff due to layoffs targeting probationary employees.

In early March, eight staffers were let go as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. The layoffs were met with swift legal challenges, and two court decisions on March 13 ordered the administration to rehire the terminated employees. While the staffers were reinstated and placed on administrative leave, the administration has vowed to fight the rulings. The situation has left the program in flux, with employees speaking anonymously to avoid potential retaliation.

The Director’s Resignation and the Program’s Importance

CP3’s director, William Braniff, has emphasized the critical nature of the program’s work. Braniff, whose term as director was nearing its end, chose to resign in solidarity with the terminated staff. He expressed his hope that the move would draw attention to the importance of the program and the need to preserve its workforce. Braniff highlighted the high demand for CP3’s services, noting that its approach is equally effective in preventing both terrorism and school shootings.

Under Braniff’s leadership, CP3 had seen significant growth. Last year, grant applications increased by 82%, and 27 states were in line to partner with the center to develop strategies for addressing targeted violence. Sixteen states already had plans in place or were actively creating them. The program’s staff, many of whom are former social workers, mental health professionals, and public health officials, play a vital role in implementing these initiatives. Before the layoffs, the center had more than 40 employees, most based in Washington, D.C.

The Broader Context of Government Cuts

The layoffs at CP3 are part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce. A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, Tricia McLaughlin, defended the cuts as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to eliminate “egregious waste and incompetence” within the government. She emphasized that the department had identified “non-mission-critical personnel in probationary status” for termination. However, critics argue that the cuts undermine the center’s ability to fulfill its mission at a time when its services are needed more than ever.

Tom Warrick, a former Homeland Security counterterrorism official and current Atlantic Council fellow, described CP3’s work as “pioneering” and stressed the enormous potential benefits of its approach in preventing violence. He urged the government to expand the program rather than scale it back. “What they really need to do is to expand it, not cut it back,” Warrick said. The program’s grants support state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as nonprofits and educational institutions, in establishing or growing their own initiatives to address violence and terrorism.

The Evolution of the Program and Lingering Concerns

CP3 was launched in 2021 under the Biden administration as a successor to earlier programs aimed at preventing violence and terrorism. It replaced the Trump-era Office for Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention, which itself had replaced the Obama-era Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) initiative. Earlier iterations of these programs were often criticized for disproportionately targeting Muslim and minority communities, with critics arguing that they lacked robust civil liberties protections and were difficult to evaluate for effectiveness.

Spencer Reynolds, senior counsel to the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, noted that while CP3 has shifted its focus toward public health approaches, concerns about civil liberties persist. Reynolds expressed that the program still places too much emphasis on law enforcement, which could lead to unintended consequences. Despite these criticisms, CP3 has made strides in addressing violence through community-based solutions, announcing $18 million in grants last year to 35 recipients. These grants supported initiatives such as a Florida sheriff’s office working to raise community awareness of warning signs for violence and a Texas fusion center expanding its behavioral threat assessment capabilities.

The Future of Violence Prevention Efforts

The challenges facing CP3 highlight the broader debate over how to balance public safety with civil liberties in the context of violence and terrorism prevention. While the program has shown promise in its early years, the recent layoffs and legal battles underscore the fragility of such initiatives in the face of political and bureaucratic shifts. As the Biden administration continues to navigate these complexities, the question remains whether CP3 and similar programs will receive the support and resources needed to fulfill their critical mission.

In the meantime, the program’s work remains vital. By leveraging the expertise of mental health professionals, social workers, and community leaders, CP3 offers a proactive approach to violence prevention—one that emphasizes early intervention and support over punitive measures. As the country grapples with rising concerns about mass shootings, domestic terrorism, and other violent acts, the success of initiatives like CP3 could have a lasting impact on public safety and community well-being.