Historically, it has been difficult to convict people of conspiring to overthrow the government or stop its normal functioning.
- Director of Research, Academic Development and Innovation at the Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism, Middlebury College
Some militia groups may see it as their duty to assist with immigration-control efforts. Some may even be deputized for this purpose by local law enforcement agencies.
A scholar of militia activity observes extremists stepping back into the public sphere after a few years of being less visible.
Since Facebook removed online hate groups and individuals from its platform, extremist groups are increasingly organizing in more discreet ways.
The founder of a violent anti-government group has been sent to prison for seditious conspiracy. Experts explain what that means.
The US select congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol has wrapped up its nearly two-year probe of that day’s violent but unsuccessful insurrection.
The historic conviction of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and one other co-defendant for seditious conspiracy has implications for free speech and the future of the militia movement in the US.
Two men accused of planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 have been found guilty. Their backgrounds and the trial itself raise concerns about the role of extremism in America.
Nationalist militia groups like the Oath Keepers have changed over the last several years – especially since the Capitol attack – in a few important ways, generally becoming more extreme.
Looming threats of more possible violence signal broader opposition to the Biden administration in what could become a loose campaign of domestic terrorism.
Ostensibly protesting an election they may have thought was stolen, their actions fed a larger set of goals that American militants are seizing upon to take more extreme action.
Much remains unknown so far about an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but five themes will remain relevant no matter how events unfold.
Some militia members see political unrest as an opportunity to wrest power from an overbearing federal government. But others support strict enforcement of law and order.
Many militia members have championed the importance of individual rights, but have also backed a president who is now threatening the kind of crackdown they fear.
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