The task force was conceived by Tarrlok in response to an Equalist event called "The Revelation", where Amon's ability to remove people's bending was revealed to a public audience, in which Avatar Korra was a spectator. The task force's creation was opposed by Tenzin, fearing that a move this aggressive would only further the division between benders and nonbenders. However, the proposal was supported by the remaining Council members, thus proclaiming Amon public enemy number one in Republic City.