Let's Talk About the Radicalization of Young White Males Online
- Thread starter Trajan
- Start date
businessinsider.com
Most Americans have no idea how deeply embedded white-supremacist groups are in the military
The Conversation
8-11 minutes
In their effort to create an all-white country where nonwhites do not have civil rights protections, these groups often instigate violent confrontations that target racial and religious minorities. Since 2018, white supremacists have conducted more lethal attacks in the United States than any other domestic extremist movement.
The Proud Boys group, for example, whom President Donald Trump addressed in the first presidential debate of 2020, includes veterans and active duty service members. The group's members, who are required to engage in physical violence before joining, celebrated Trump's statement to "stand back and stand by," considering his call an endorsement of their extremist ideology.
While many Americans were appalled at the president's statement, our research shows that most Americans remain unaware of the connections these groups have to the military.
The links between the US military and white nationalists date back to the 1990s, with many believers seeing military service as an opportunity to hone their fighting skills and recruit others.
Our research has found that most Americans don't know much about the level of white nationalism in the military — though when they find out, they're worried about it.
White nationalists active in the military
White supremacists pass a militia member as they arrive for a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, August 12, 2017.
Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Researchers do not have reliable data on how many active duty or veteran service members belong to white nationalist groups. But current military members are increasingly aware of the influence of far-right groups in the ranks.
In the most recent poll by Military Times, an independent media organization covering the military, about one-fifth of service members have reported seeing signs of white nationalism or racist ideology in the military community. Those include the casual use of racial slurs and anti-Semitic language, and even explosives deliberately arranged in the shape of a swastika.
More than one-third of service members surveyed in 2018 said white nationalism is a significant threat to the country — which is more than were seriously concerned about threats from Syria, Afghanistan or immigration.
White nationalists with military experience have committed acts of violence, usually after leaving the service — like the 1994 Oklahoma City bombing and the 2012 mass shooting at a Wisconsin Sikh temple.
But active duty personnel have also been involved in white nationalist activity. In July 2018, a white nationalist was dismissed from the Marine Corps for his involvement in hate groups, including attending the 2017 "Unite the Right" protest in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In February 2019, a Coast Guard officer stationed at the agency's headquarters was arrested and accused of stockpiling weapons as part of a plan to start a race war.
In April 2019, a Huffington Post investigation revealed that at least 11 members of various military branches were under investigation for involvement in a white nationalist group.
In September 2019, an Army soldier who had expressed support for right-wing extremism was arrested after sharing bomb-making instructions with undercover agents. That same month, an Air Force master sergeant who had been involved with a white supremacist group was demoted but allowed to continue serving.
In June 2020, an Army private was charged with terrorism offenses after he leaked sensitive information about his unit to two white supremacist groups, including one that promotes rape and murder as part of its quest for a race war.
Congressional concern
A white supremacist stands behind militia members in Charlottesville, Virginia.
REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
Lawmakers have been paying attention to the problem. In 2019, the House of Representatives approved a requirement to screen potential military enlistees for signs of white nationalism, as part of the Pentagon's annual budget allocation. But the Senate removed that provision before sending the bill to the White House for the president's signature.
Military and academic experts agree that violent ideologies in the ranks make it harder for soldiers to form the bonds of trust with one another that they rely on in combat.
If Congress did ban white nationalists from serving in the military, members of white nationalist groups would have a harder time receiving military training. They would also be cut off from an important recruitment network.
American views of white nationalism
President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Army Gen. Mark Milley at the White House, October 7, 2019.
Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS
We wanted to find out how much the public knew about white nationalism in the military, and what they think about it. So in early May 2019, we conducted a demographically representative survey of 1,702 American adults.
First, we asked respondents how prevalent they thought white nationalism was in the military. Most — 70% — said there were "some" white nationalists on active duty. Another 20% said there were "many." Just 10% thought there were none.
Then we sought to find out whether people thought it was a problem. To answer that question, we split our respondents into two groups. We asked one half of them whether "white nationalism in the military" is "not a problem," a "somewhat serious problem" or a "serious problem." Only 30% of them thought it was a "serious" problem; 47% thought it was "somewhat serious" and 23% thought it was "not a problem."
The other half of the respondents got the same question — but before we asked, we gave them the results of a 2018 Military Times poll finding that "22% of service members … have seen evidence of white nationalism or racist ideology within the armed forces." Having learned that information, 35% of this group said the problem is "serious" — a statistically significant increase of five percentage points.
After that, we returned to the first group, and gave them the information from the Military Times poll — and found that 39% of them considered the problem "serious." This nine-point increase was also statistically significant.
We did see an initial political divide among our respondents. People who identified as strong conservatives were less concerned about white nationalism in the military than were strong liberals. But respondents across the political spectrum were willing to update their views, and considered white nationalism a serious problem, once we gave them additional, factual information.
The military is a trusted institution
Soldiers from the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division prepare to head to Europe for the Defender-Europe 20 exercise.
US Army/Staff Sgt. Kelsey Miller
The American public is deferential to the military, and trusts it as an institution. White nationalist groups and ideologies get a boost of credibility and legitimacy through their links to the US military. Civilians often take cues from the statements and actions of those who served.
Our work suggests that informing the public about service members' worries about white nationalism in the military could increase concern among both liberals and conservatives about the growing power of these groups.
Increased public concern could create an incentive for policymakers to try to combat white nationalist groups, in the military and in society at large.
[Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation's newsletter.]
Most Americans have no idea how deeply embedded white-supremacist groups are in the military
The Conversation
8-11 minutes
- White nationalist groups, who are some of the country's most serious terror threats, are finding new members and support in the US military.
- Those links date to the 1990s, but most Americans remain unaware of the connections these groups have to the military.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
In their effort to create an all-white country where nonwhites do not have civil rights protections, these groups often instigate violent confrontations that target racial and religious minorities. Since 2018, white supremacists have conducted more lethal attacks in the United States than any other domestic extremist movement.
The Proud Boys group, for example, whom President Donald Trump addressed in the first presidential debate of 2020, includes veterans and active duty service members. The group's members, who are required to engage in physical violence before joining, celebrated Trump's statement to "stand back and stand by," considering his call an endorsement of their extremist ideology.
While many Americans were appalled at the president's statement, our research shows that most Americans remain unaware of the connections these groups have to the military.
The links between the US military and white nationalists date back to the 1990s, with many believers seeing military service as an opportunity to hone their fighting skills and recruit others.
Our research has found that most Americans don't know much about the level of white nationalism in the military — though when they find out, they're worried about it.
White nationalists active in the military
White supremacists pass a militia member as they arrive for a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, August 12, 2017.
Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Researchers do not have reliable data on how many active duty or veteran service members belong to white nationalist groups. But current military members are increasingly aware of the influence of far-right groups in the ranks.
In the most recent poll by Military Times, an independent media organization covering the military, about one-fifth of service members have reported seeing signs of white nationalism or racist ideology in the military community. Those include the casual use of racial slurs and anti-Semitic language, and even explosives deliberately arranged in the shape of a swastika.
More than one-third of service members surveyed in 2018 said white nationalism is a significant threat to the country — which is more than were seriously concerned about threats from Syria, Afghanistan or immigration.
White nationalists with military experience have committed acts of violence, usually after leaving the service — like the 1994 Oklahoma City bombing and the 2012 mass shooting at a Wisconsin Sikh temple.
But active duty personnel have also been involved in white nationalist activity. In July 2018, a white nationalist was dismissed from the Marine Corps for his involvement in hate groups, including attending the 2017 "Unite the Right" protest in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In February 2019, a Coast Guard officer stationed at the agency's headquarters was arrested and accused of stockpiling weapons as part of a plan to start a race war.
In April 2019, a Huffington Post investigation revealed that at least 11 members of various military branches were under investigation for involvement in a white nationalist group.
In September 2019, an Army soldier who had expressed support for right-wing extremism was arrested after sharing bomb-making instructions with undercover agents. That same month, an Air Force master sergeant who had been involved with a white supremacist group was demoted but allowed to continue serving.
In June 2020, an Army private was charged with terrorism offenses after he leaked sensitive information about his unit to two white supremacist groups, including one that promotes rape and murder as part of its quest for a race war.
Congressional concern
A white supremacist stands behind militia members in Charlottesville, Virginia.
REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
Lawmakers have been paying attention to the problem. In 2019, the House of Representatives approved a requirement to screen potential military enlistees for signs of white nationalism, as part of the Pentagon's annual budget allocation. But the Senate removed that provision before sending the bill to the White House for the president's signature.
Military and academic experts agree that violent ideologies in the ranks make it harder for soldiers to form the bonds of trust with one another that they rely on in combat.
If Congress did ban white nationalists from serving in the military, members of white nationalist groups would have a harder time receiving military training. They would also be cut off from an important recruitment network.
American views of white nationalism
President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Army Gen. Mark Milley at the White House, October 7, 2019.
Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS
We wanted to find out how much the public knew about white nationalism in the military, and what they think about it. So in early May 2019, we conducted a demographically representative survey of 1,702 American adults.
First, we asked respondents how prevalent they thought white nationalism was in the military. Most — 70% — said there were "some" white nationalists on active duty. Another 20% said there were "many." Just 10% thought there were none.
Then we sought to find out whether people thought it was a problem. To answer that question, we split our respondents into two groups. We asked one half of them whether "white nationalism in the military" is "not a problem," a "somewhat serious problem" or a "serious problem." Only 30% of them thought it was a "serious" problem; 47% thought it was "somewhat serious" and 23% thought it was "not a problem."
The other half of the respondents got the same question — but before we asked, we gave them the results of a 2018 Military Times poll finding that "22% of service members … have seen evidence of white nationalism or racist ideology within the armed forces." Having learned that information, 35% of this group said the problem is "serious" — a statistically significant increase of five percentage points.
After that, we returned to the first group, and gave them the information from the Military Times poll — and found that 39% of them considered the problem "serious." This nine-point increase was also statistically significant.
We did see an initial political divide among our respondents. People who identified as strong conservatives were less concerned about white nationalism in the military than were strong liberals. But respondents across the political spectrum were willing to update their views, and considered white nationalism a serious problem, once we gave them additional, factual information.
The military is a trusted institution
Soldiers from the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division prepare to head to Europe for the Defender-Europe 20 exercise.
US Army/Staff Sgt. Kelsey Miller
The American public is deferential to the military, and trusts it as an institution. White nationalist groups and ideologies get a boost of credibility and legitimacy through their links to the US military. Civilians often take cues from the statements and actions of those who served.
Our work suggests that informing the public about service members' worries about white nationalism in the military could increase concern among both liberals and conservatives about the growing power of these groups.
Increased public concern could create an incentive for policymakers to try to combat white nationalist groups, in the military and in society at large.
[Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation's newsletter.]
NPR Choice page
21 Alleged White Supremacists Indicted In Utah On Federal Drug And Firearms Charges
Scott NeumanOctober 16, 20206:11 PM ET
Twenty-one Utah-based white supremacists have been indicted on drug and firearms charges, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The move comes just days after alleged white supremacist gang members in Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi were brought up on similar charges.
In the latest case, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah said in a statement that the charges were unsealed in federal court following an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force of the Soldiers of Aryan Culture, Silent Aryan Warriors, Noble Elect Thugs, and associates.
The defendants were described as "documented gang members and associates of several home-grown white supremacist gangs" from around the Salt Lake City and Ogden areas.
The Justice Department said 11 arrests were made on Wednesday and that 10 other defendants were already in custody. The indictments stem from an investigation that began in June 2019 that involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and two gang units, the statement said.
"The investigation led law enforcement officers to numerous documented gang members and associates trafficking in methamphetamine and firearms," the statement said. "Many of the defendants have been involved in criminal conduct in Utah communities for many years."
It said that about 1.65 pounds of methamphetamine were purchased and 15 firearms recovered during the investigation.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department announced the indictment of two dozen people, including members of an alleged white supremacist prison gang, in Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi, on charges related to violent acts, including murder.
Five indictments in three different states involved 24 defendants, "including alleged Aryan Circle (AC) gang members and associates, on charges of racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, drug conspiracy, and unlawful firearms trafficking," the DOJ said.
"According to court documents, the AC is a violent, race‑based organization that operates inside federal prisons across the country and outside prisons in states including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri," the statement said.
"Court records further indicate that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization," it added.
Separately, on Thursday, a man pleaded guilty in a plot to firebomb a Jewish synagogue in Pueblo, Colo.
The FBI said Richard Holzer, who made the pleas in federal court, is a known white supremacist who wanted to drive the Jewish people out of Pueblo.
The FBI has long been concerned about the rise of right-wing extremist groups and white supremacy. In testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee last month, Director Christopher Wray warned about violent extremist groups, telling lawmakers that "racially motivated violent extremism" — mostly white supremacists — has made up the majority of domestic terrorism threats.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have also expressed concern about domestic extremism in the lead up to the Nov. 3 election, according to Reuters.
Last month, the director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, warned of a "witch's brew that really hasn't happened in America's history."
Ongoing Investigation into Violent White Supremacist Gang Results in Rico Indictment and Additional Charges against Members and Associates
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Ongoing Investigation into Violent White Supremacist Gang Results in Rico Indictment and Additional Charges against Members and Associates
New Charges Include Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy, Assault and Kidnapping in Aid of Racketeering, and Accessory to Murder
The Justice Department announced today that additional charges have been brought in a superseding indictment against members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s. The 1488s have been charged as a criminal organization that was involved in narcotics distribution, arson, obstruction of justice, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Robert Britt of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, and Alaska State Trooper Captain David Hanson, Commander of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement.
Two new defendants were added to the recently unsealed superseding indictment. Felicia King, 55, of Wasilla, Alaska, was charged with accessory after the fact for her role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”
Justin Eaton, aka “Skulls” 45, of Anchorage, Alaska, who had been previously charged in a separate indictment as a felon in possession of a firearm, was charged with RICO conspiracy, kidnapping and assault for his role in the April 2, 2017, beating of a former 1488 member.
Original defendants Filthy Fuhrer, (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; and Colter O’Dell, 26, were all charged in a RICO Conspiracy. Fuhrer and Naughton also face additional charges for federal kidnapping, as well as kidnapping and assault in aid of racketeering for incidents occurring in April and July of 2017.
In the original indictment, Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, O’Dell, and Beau Cook, 32, were charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in unsealed court documents. Additionally, Cook has pleaded guilty to kidnapping for his role in the Staton homicide.
According to the superseding indictment, the 1488s are a violent prison-based gang operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska and elsewhere. The 1488s employed Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang. The most coveted tattoo of 1488s members was the 1488s “patch” (an Iron Cross superimposed over a Swastika), which could be worn only by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing an act of violence on behalf of the gang.
According to the indictment, as part of their operations, 1488s members and associates engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities to promote the influence of the gang. The 1488s allegedly had an organizational structure, which is outlined in written “rules” widely distributed to members throughout Alaska and elsewhere.
Members of the 1488s allegedly acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, including “bosses” who had ultimate authority in all gang matters. “Key holders” were allegedly responsible for all gang matters within penal facilities where 1488s had a presence, and in “free world” Alaska (outside of prison). “Enforcers” were allegedly responsible for enforcing the rules and performing tasks as assigned by higher-ranking gang members. “Prospects” for membership were required to familiarize themselves with Nazi-inspired white supremacist ideology. Violence against law enforcement was also a means of gaining standing within the 1488s. Female associates of the gang were referred to as “lady-eights”.
In or about 2016, Fuhrer allegedly became more aggressive in his efforts to impose discipline within the gang. He allegedly believed that members who were defying the 1488 code of conduct were diminishing the power and influence of the gang. As outlined in the superseding indictment, this culminated in the kidnapping and assault of former members on April 2, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Staton on Aug. 3, 2017. These acts were allegedly ordered by leadership of the 1488s acting from within and from outside of the prison system.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, and the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case in conjunction with the District of Alaska U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Division and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), and the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Chad McHenry of OCGS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor, James Klugman, and Chris Schroeder of the District of Alaska.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
NobodyReally
Superstar
You knew this was coming.