Far-right violence and terrorism – April 2024

Download the full report here

Introduction

In April 2024, the global landscape was marked by an alarming presence of terrorism linked to extreme right-wing ideologies. This analysis underscores the paramount significance of this issue in the contemporary world order. Terrorism, irrespective of its ideological roots, has long posed a grave threat to international peace and security. Recent times, however, have witnessed a distinct shift in this threat landscape. The ascent of extreme right-wing terrorism has introduced a new layer of complexity to the global security equation.This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of extreme right-wing terrorism in April 2024, offering insights into its evolution, and current manifestations. By dissecting the trends, causative factors, and ramifications of this phenomenon, our objective is to foster awareness and inform policymaking while fostering international collaboration to counter this growing menace.

 

United Kingdom

UK to Proscribe Terrorgram Collective as Terrorist Organization

The UK government has laid a draft proscription order against the Terrorgram collective, marking the first instance of a country globally proscribing the online neo-fascist network as a terrorist organization. Led by Home Secretary James Cleverly, the move aims to curb the dissemination of violent propaganda by the group, which seeks to radicalize individuals and incite them to commit terrorist acts.

If approved by Parliament, the proscription will criminalize membership, support, or the display of associated articles, reflecting the government’s commitment to combat extreme right-wing terrorism and online radicalization. Additionally, the proscription grants Counter Terrorism Policing the authority to compel tech companies and social media platforms to remove or block Terrorgram’s online content for UK users, further bolstering efforts to mitigate the spread of hateful ideologies and protect vulnerable individuals from extremist influences (1).

 

United States

Far-Right Extremist Group Targets Cincinnati Drag Queens, Forces Story Time Cancellation

A Cincinnati drag queen group faced targeting by members of a far-right extremist organization, leading to the cancellation of a children’s story time event at a local bookstore due to safety concerns. The Cincinnati Sisters, who were scheduled to host the story time, had to withdraw from the event after receiving threats from the Ohio Active Club, prompting fears for their safety. Drag nun Sharity Holley revealed that her personal information, including her home address, workplace details, and contact information, was exposed online by the group, causing alarm and prompting her to take action.

The Ohio Active Club, labeled as a hate group by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center, stands out for its open use of Neo-Nazi symbols and propaganda, according to extremism expert Jon Lewis from the George Washington Program on Extremism (2). Concerns persist that such groups may escalate their activities as tensions rise, potentially leading to offline engagement and violence.

Michigan Supreme Court Rejects White Supremacist Leader’s Appeal

The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of Justen Watkins, a prominent figure in the white supremacist group known as “The Base.” Watkins sought to overturn his plea bargain agreement, which stemmed from various charges related to his involvement in criminal activities, including intimidating a family and engaging in firearms training.

Watkins’ plea deal was part of an agreement related to a 2019 incident where he and another individual intimidated a family in Dexter, Washtenaw County, along with charges filed in Tuscola County (3). Although Watkins pleaded guilty to multiple charges, he attempted to withdraw from the plea deal, a move that the Michigan Court of Appeals rejected last year, upholding the original sentence.¡’rial Begins for Suspect in Murder of Gay Jewish Student Blaze Bernstein

After over six years since Blaze Bernstein, a gay Jewish student from the University of Pennsylvania, was found stabbed to death in Lake Forest, California, the trial against his alleged killer finally commenced. Bernstein, aged 19 at the time of his disappearance in January 2018, was discovered in Borrego Park. Samuel Woodward, a former classmate of Bernstein’s, could face life imprisonment without parole if convicted of the murder and a hate crime enhancement (4).

During the investigation, authorities found extensive anti-gay and anti-Jewish material on Woodward’s phone, associated with the Atomwaffen Division, a white supremacist hate group, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times. Alongside physical evidence linking Woodward to the crime scene, such as Bernstein’s blood in Woodward’s vehicle and on a knife at his Newport Beach residence, the alleged motivation suggests the murder may be categorized as a hate crime. However, whether the hate crime charge will remain intact throughout the trial remains uncertain.

Far-Right Extremist Admits Terrorism Charges

Colin McNeil, 46, a far-right extremist who ran a website used by convicted international terrorists, has pleaded guilty to four terrorism charges at Sheffield Crown Court. McNeil, hailing from Leeds, admitted to distributing a terrorist publication with the intent of encouraging acts of terrorism, according to counter terror police. Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) stated that McNeil “showed admiration for terrorist publications on his website” and shared “racist and extreme right-wing views.” He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 5 (5).

McNeil’s arrest in March 2022 followed investigations revealing that the website he operated disseminated material supporting extreme right-wing ideologies. Despite becoming aware of the material, McNeil continued to play an active role in its administration and shared his own views, as per CTPNE. The website was utilized by “a number of likeminded convicted international terrorists” to propagate their ideologies, stated a spokesperson.

Orange County Man Sentenced for Planned Parenthood Firebombing and Domestic Terrorism Plot

Chance Brannon, a 24-year-old man from San Juan Capistrano, California, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for his involvement in a series of domestic terrorism plots, including a firebombing attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa. Brannon, an active-duty member of the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton at the time of the incident, also plotted attacks on the Orange County power grid, Dodger Stadium during an LGBTQ+ pride night celebration, and Jewish homes in Los Angeles (6).

His sentencing comes after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy, malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility. Brannon’s extremist neo-Nazi ideology motivated his actions, according to prosecutors. He frequently expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler, possessed antisemitic writings and literature, and made violent threats against minority groups.

Leader of Feuerkrieg Division Sentenced for Conspiring to Make Death Threats

Nicholas Welker, also known as “King ov Wrath,” was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen for conspiring to make death threats. Welker, the leader of Feuerkrieg Division (FKD), an international racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group, posted death threats against a Brooklyn-based journalist to silence reporting on the Neo-Nazi group.

Welker’s threat included a photograph of the journalist with a gun aimed at his head and the words “Race Traitor” over his eyes. The threat, posted to a public online forum, aimed to intimidate the journalist into halting his reporting on Welker’s hate group. United States Attorney Breon Peace emphasized that Welker’s attempt to silence the journalist aimed to enable continued violence against racial, ethnic, religious minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community (7). The sentence underscores the commitment to protect journalists who courageously report on violent hate groups.

White Supremacist Group Marches in Downtown Charleston

On the same day as the YWCA Charleston’s Race to End Racism event, members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front conducted a march through downtown Charleston. Witnesses observed the group unloading from two U-Haul trucks at Daniel Boone Park and marching towards the Capitol, where they gathered in front of the Stonewall Jackson statue, and proceeded down Capitol Street, carrying a banner reading “America is not for sale” and distributing propaganda (8).

Patriot Front, categorized by the Anti Defamation League as a white supremacist organization, advocates for a European-American nation and often conducts flash demonstrations across the country. While the Charleston City Police monitored the situation closely, Mayor Amy Goodwin emphasized the importance of standing against hate and ensuring community safety.

 

Australia

Sydney Stabbing Rampage Sparks Conversation on Incel Culture

A horrifying incident unfolded in Sydney as Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing spree in Westfield Bondi Junction, targeting and injuring 18 people, primarily women and girls. The attack reignited discussions on incel culture as a driving force behind such violent acts, with authorities acknowledging the apparent targeting of women by the perpetrator.

While New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb emphasized the clear focus on women in the attack, assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke stated that no evidence suggested a specific motivation behind Cauchi’s actions (9). This reluctance to address incel ideology as a driving force behind violence against women contrasts with the attribution of other ideologies in similar cases, highlighting a societal hesitancy to confront misogyny culture as a root cause of violence.

The incident underscores broader issues of incel ideology, with the normalization of violence against women and girls evident in societal attitudes and systemic failures to address gender-based violence effectively. Despite calls to acknowledge incel culture as a contributing factor and confront the pervasive influence of such ideologies, challenges persist in recognizing and combating the deep-rooted hatred of women in society.

 

Germany

Police accuses a suspect in the bomb-making case in Halle

The police in the city of Halle, eastern Germany, announced that they had arrested and charged a 36-year-old man with the illegal use of explosives after discovering what appeared to be an explosive device ready to detonate during a search of his apartment. On Saturday, shortly before noon, police were called to the man’s residence when neighbors reported that he was shouting racist threats at passersby from his window while brandishing a weapon, in addition to threatening to bomb neighbors of foreign appearance.

Upon arrival, the police determined that the intoxicated man’s weapon was actually a toy. However, they noticed several suspicious items in his apartment and immediately called in a bomb disposal squad and explosive-detecting dogs. About 50 apartments were evacuated during the search. Experts are continuing to assess the potential threat posed by the device. The case has been referred to the Criminal Office of the State of Saxony-Anhalt (LKA) for further investigation (10).

Trial Begins for AfD Leader Accused of Using Nazi Slogan

Björn Höcke, a prominent figure in Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, faced trial on charges of using a Nazi slogan, just months before a regional election where he aims to become his state’s governor. Höcke, 52, leads the AfD’s regional branch in Thuringia and holds significant influence within the party’s hard-right faction.

The trial, held at the state court in Halle, revolves around accusations of Höcke using symbols of unconstitutional organizations. Prosecutors allege that Höcke ended a speech in May 2021 with the phrase “Everything for Germany!”—a slogan associated with the Nazis’ SA stormtroopers. While Höcke argues that the phrase is an “everyday saying,” prosecutors maintain that its use can carry criminal consequences, including a fine or a prison sentence of up to three years (11). The trial has garnered public attention, with demonstrators gathering outside the court building, denouncing Höcke and the AfD.

Far-Right Anti-Government Plotters Face Trial in Sttutgart

Nine suspected members of a German far-right group faced trial in Stuttgart for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and install a minor royal as leader. The defendants, linked to the Reichsbürger (Citizens of the Reich) movement, are among 27 individuals facing charges, including high treason and belonging to a terror organization. The plot, exposed in 2022, aimed to establish martial law, with the defendants accused of participating in the “military arm” of the Reichsbürger movement, which rejects the post-war German state and propagates conspiracy-based theories regarding sovereignty (12).

Led by businessman Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, 72, the defendants allegedly planned to resurrect the German Reich through violence, including storming the German Bundestag and kidnapping the country’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The trial, held in the high-security courtroom of Stammheim prison, known for its history of housing far-left Red Army Faction terrorists, marks one of the most significant anti-terror cases in Germany’s modern history. The accused face charges of participating in a terrorist organization and preparing a highly treasonous enterprise, with two defendants also charged with violating weapons laws and attempted murder.

Four arrested for wreath laying and Nazi salute at Hitler’s birthplace

Two German couples were arrested in Austria after visiting Adolf Hitler’s birth home to lay floral tributes on the anniversary of the German dictator’s birth. During their visit, at least one person performed the Nazi salute in front of the building. Police, alerted to these actions, took all four individuals to a police station for questioning, where messages and photographs related to Nazism were found on the 26-year-old woman’s mobile phone, who claimed to have made the gesture “as a joke” (13).

Austrian authorities have confirmed that all four will be sent to the appropriate authorities for suspected violation of the law prohibiting Nazi salutes in the country. To prevent commemorations of Hitler, security forces have increased patrols around the Nazi leader’s birth home, currently undergoing renovations to deter visits from neo-Nazis and transform it into a police station and human rights education center.

 

France

Two Barcelona Fans Arrested for Using Nazi Salute at PSG Stadium

Two Barcelona fans were arrested for using the Nazi salute at Parc des Princes, the stadium of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a day after the Champions League match between the two teams. The reason for the arrest was “apology for a war crime,” as well as “public racist insult” – in relation to the alleged gesture imitating a monkey expressed by fans of the Catalan team and recorded by some users, the Paris Prefecture reported in a post on the X social network (14).

The assaults, took place in the stands of the stadium where the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final match between PSG and FC Barcelona was held. This incident is reminiscent of an episode that Parc des Princes already witnessed in September 2022 when, during the group stage match between PSG and Juventus, two Italian fans were arrested for the same reasons.

 

Italy

Controversy in Italy Over Appearance of Nazi Symbol by Former Lazio Player

The Italian football governing body sparked outrage after initially posting and then deleting a photo of former defender Stefan Radu wearing a t-shirt with the message “SS Lazio” during the match against Roma. The Serie A League deleted its social media post featuring a picture of Radu, a former Romanian defender, who watched the capital derby that Roma won 1-0 in the 31st round of the tournament while wearing a shirt displaying the message “SS Lazio” (15).

The Serie A League had shared the image on its English-language social media profile, showing Radu in attire where the “SS” appeared to resemble a graphic alluding to the Nazi regime. Radu, 37, and a former captain of Lazio, was photographed while watching the capital derby from the North Curve during the match held the previous day at the Olympic Stadium.

 

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in April 2024

In April 2024, the global landscape of far-right terrorism experienced a disturbing surge, with 15 attacks occurring across six different countries. This escalation is indicative of the persistent threat posed by violent extremism, particularly from far-right ideologies.

Europe, in particular, has witnessed a notable increase in far-right extremist activity, with Germany emerging as a focal point for concern. The country experienced a surge in far-right violence, with several incidents reported throughout the month. Of particular alarm were two incidents that occurred during football matches in both Germany and France. These attacks not only underscore the pervasive nature of far-right extremism but also highlight the potential for such violence to infiltrate seemingly innocuous public events.

The incidents during football matches serve as a stark reminder of the insidious ways in which extremist ideologies can manifest and infiltrate public spaces, fostering fear and division within communities. This alarming trend emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of extremism, counter radicalization efforts, and enhance security measures to safeguard against further violence.

In April 2024, there has been a notable increase in the legal actions and prosecutions associated with extreme right-wing ideologies, reflecting a heightened awareness of the threat posed by these movements. This increase is evidenced by a surge in trials related to far-right extremism, along with a rise in incidents of incitement and the proliferation of violent rhetoric within online communities.

Amidst these developments, one particularly intriguing legal case emerged, signaling a significant step in the fight against far-right extremism. The UK government announced its intention to proscribe the Terrorgram Collective as a terrorist organization, underscoring the gravity of the threat posed by online extremist networks and reflects a proactive approach to combating their influence and activities.

The move to designate the Terrorgram Collective as a terrorist organization highlights the evolving nature of extremism in the digital age and the necessity for coordinated efforts to address it effectively and serves as a reminder of the critical role that legislation and law enforcement play in countering the spread of extremist ideologies and preventing acts of violence inspired by them.

Throughout April 2024, the far-right extremist landscape witnessed a concerning proliferation of ideologies, mostly  linked with the Neo-Nazi ideology emerging as a prominent protagonist, being associated with 7 events during the month. This surge in Neo-Nazi activity underscores the persistent threat posed by supremacist ideologies and their propensity for inspiring violence and hate.

Additionally, another significant development in the extremist landscape has been the rise of the incel ideology, a misogynistic belief system that is increasingly being recognized and treated as a form of terrorism. In recent years, the radicalization within incel communities has escalated, culminating in violent attacks such as the one witnessed in Sydney this month. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the danger posed by ideologies rooted in misogyny and the urgent need to address the underlying factors driving radicalization within these communities.

The emergence of both Neo-Nazi and incel ideologies underscores the importance of addressing not only the manifestations of extremist violence but also the underlying beliefs and grievances that fuel radicalization

 

References

ABC News. MOULSON, G. (n.d.). Prominent figure in German far-right party stands trial over alleged use of Nazi slogan. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/prominent-figure-german-party-trial-alleged-nazi-slogan-109372795

Ámbito Financiero. Rial, S. (2024, April 7). Polémica en Italia por la aparición de un símbolo nazi de un exjugador de la Lazio. Retrieved from https://www.ambito.com/deportes/polemica-italia-la-aparicion-un-simbolo-nazi-un-exjugador-la-lazio-n5977476

Barnes, P. (n.d.). Far-right extremist group targets Cincinnati drag queens, forced to cancel story time. Local 12. Retrieved from https://local12.com/news/local/far-right-extremist-group-targets-cincinnati-drag-queens-forced-cancel-story-time-neo-nazi-nazism-fascist-political-religious-private-information-exposed-sisters-active-club-reading-books-library-kids-children-police-fbi-inve

BBC News. Wright, O. (n.d.). Far-right extremist admits hosting terror website. Retrieved from https://news.yahoo.com/far-extremist-admits-hosting-terror-172835261.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACRCtw68DWpsZXykyXL2_BjlUakhXxazbEkVMDd4Qt66kNPBerbnuKnQBxbNUHU92PScbr8Cxok-NaoxcLJxn1Xj9Y3Ca03Prr9Xs

CNN. Kappeler, I. (2024, April 29). Nine accused of far-right plot to overthrow German government go on trial. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/29/europe/germany-far-right-trial-opens-intl/index.html

Department of Justice. Former Marine Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Molotov Cocktail Attack Against Planned Parenthood Clinic in Orange County. (2024, April 15). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-marine-sentenced-9-years-federal-prison-molotov-cocktail-attack-against-planned

Department of Justice. White Supremacist Leader Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Make Death Threats Against Brooklyn Journalist. (2024, April 19). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/white-supremacist-leader-sentenced-44-months-prison-conspiring-make-death-threats

Forbes México. Detienen a dos aficionados del Barça que utilizaron saludo nazi en el estadio del PSG. (2024, April 11). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com.mx/detienen-a-dos-aficionados-del-barca-que-utilizaron-saludo-nazi-en-el-estadio-del-psg/

GOV.UK. Terrorgram added to list of proscribed terrorist organisations. (2024, April 22). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/terrorgram-added-to-list-of-proscribed-terrorist-organisations

Iglesia en Directo. Zaman, M. (n.d.). Comienza el tan esperado juicio por asesinato por crimen de odio en el condado de Orange. Retrieved from https://iglesiaendirecto.com/2024/04/10/comienza-el-tan-esperado-juicio-por-asesinato-por-crimen-de-odio-en-el-condado-de-orange/

IPR. PLUTA, R. (n.d.). MI Supreme Court refuses terrorism sentence appeal. Retrieved from https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2024-04-03/mi-supreme-court-refuses-terrorism-sentence-appeal

Noticias de Gipuzkoa. Ocerin, B. E. (2024, April 22). Cuatro detenidos por realizar una ofrenda floral y el saludo nazi ante la casa natal de Hitler. Retrieved from https://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.eus/union-europea/2024/04/22/hitler-casa-saludo-nazi-ofrenda-8146608.html

Noticias del Mundo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://noticiasdelmundo.news/alemania-la-policia-acusa-a-un-sospechoso-en-el-caso-de-fabricacion-de-bombas-en-halle/#google_vignette

The Independent. Taylor, J. (2024, April 15). What’s really to blame for the Sydney stabbings. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/sydney-stabbing-attack-bondi-westfield-joel-cauchi-women-victims-misogyny-b2528897.html

West Virginia Public Broadcasting. White Supremacist Group Marches Through Downtown Charleston Saturday (2024, April 27). Retrieved from https://wvpublic.org/white-supremacist-group-marches-though-downtown-charleston-saturday/

WDET. Pluta, R. (n.d.). Michigan Supreme Court refuses terrorist sentence appeal. Retrieved from https://wdet.org/2024/04/04/michigan-supreme-court-refuses-terrorist-sentence-appeal/