The White House has invited internet and technology companies for a roundtable discussion on violent online extremism on Friday, as the Trump administration comes under growing pressure to deter mass shootings tied to internet-fueled racism.
The meeting will include "senior administration officials along with representatives of a range of companies," according to a White House spokesperson, who did not name who will take part. The discussion comes after President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to work with online platforms and state and local governments to "develop tools that can detect mass shooters before they strike.
The alleged gunman in the El Paso mass shooting on Saturday, which left at least 22 people dead, was linked to an anti-immigrant screed posted on the anonymous message board 8chan prior to the attack. It’s at least the third incident this year in which manifestos tied to mass shootings have popped up on 8chan, known as a haven for white nationalists.