Far-right violence and terrorism – May 2024

Download the full report here

Introduction

In May 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 May 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 States

Akron Families Disturbed by Racist Flyers Targeting Community

Families in Akron are on edge following the distribution of a racist flyer in their community. The flyer, which depicts offensive caricatures and portrays African Americans as criminals, also lists contact information for a KKK group based in Kentucky. The Akron Police Department is investigating and believes the flyers may have been distributed to other homes and businesses across the city (1).

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Acting Chief Brian Harding condemned the flyers in a joint statement, as they denounced the racist material as “disgusting and offensive,” emphasizing that racism and hate have no place in their community. The officials urged residents with information about the flyers to contact the police, underscoring that the hateful messages do not reflect the city’s diversity and welcoming spirit. Authorities are collaborating with other cities to address the issue comprehensively. Ohio witnessed a troubling increase in documented racist incidents in 2023, with numbers soaring to 509 from 211 in 2022.

Texas Governor Pardons Convicted Killer, Sparking Outrage

Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott sparked outrage by pardoning Daniel Perry, a convicted killer who murdered Garrett Foster at a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest. Perry, who opposed the anti-racism movement and expressed violent fantasies on social media, drove into a crowd of protesters in Austin, Texas, and shot Foster, an Army veteran legally carrying a rifle. Abbott’s pardon came swiftly after a recommendation from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, largely controlled by the governor.

Abbott justified the pardon by citing Texas’s robust “Stand Your Ground” laws, despite the jury’s verdict that Perry’s actions were not in self-defense (2). Critics argue that the pardon endorses vigilante violence against anti-racism advocates, drawing parallels to historical acts of racial violence. Foster’s family condemned the decision, with his mother stating that Abbott’s actions disregard the jury’s findings and imply that violence against political opponents is permissible. The controversy deepens as Abbott’s intervention preempted the appeals process and ignored established legal protocols for pardons, raising concerns about political motivations and the impact on public safety.

White Supremacist Plot in Maryland Highlights the rise of “Accelerationism”

On May 14, Sarah Beth Clendaniel pled guilty to conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland, bringing the concept of “accelerationism” back into the spotlight (3).

Clendaniel and Brandon C. Russell conspired from December 2022 to February 2023 to damage five regional electrical grid installations in Baltimore. However, authorities thwarted their plans on February 3, leading to their imprisonment pending trial. Both individuals are firm believers in white supremacy and advocate for “accelerationism” as a means of achieving their goals. Accelerationism is a philosophical and political movement that seeks to intensify social and political processes to hasten the collapse of the current system and usher in a new era.

Former Marine Arrested for Threatening Mass Shooting Against White People

A former Marine from New Jersey, Joshua Cobb, was arrested for threatening to kill white people and planning a mass shooting, federal prosecutors announced. Cobb, 23, made alarming social media posts in December 2022, expressing his desire to cause mayhem and bloodshed against the white community. He claimed to have begun planning his attack and had already acquired two of the four guns he intended to use. Cobb joined the Marines in June 2023, completed basic training, and was stationed in California before being discharged in May 2024.

Cobb’s social media posts, under the account “1dayUsuffer,” reflected his frustrations with the struggles faced by young Black men in America, particularly those from poverty. He expressed a desire to cause violence in response to these perceived injustices (4). Federal public defenders representing Cobb have not commented on the case.

Swastika and White Supremacist Message Found at Wheaton College Dorm

In a disconcerting incident, President Michaele Whelan of Wheaton College announced to the campus community the discovery of a swastika and an accompanying message promoting white supremacy in the restroom of a student dormitory. The unsettling finding has sparked concern and condemnation across the college community, prompting discussions about campus safety, inclusivity, and the ongoing battle against hate speech and discriminatory ideologies (5).

The discovery of the swastika, a symbol associated with Nazi ideology and atrocities committed during the Holocaust, along with a message espousing white supremacist views, has stirred emotions of shock and dismay among students and faculty alike. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent presence of hateful ideologies in society. It underscores the ongoing need for concerted efforts to combat racism, bigotry, and discrimination in all its forms.

Idaho Prosecutors Decline Charges in Racial Slur Incident at NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

Prosecutors in Idaho have decided not to press charges against a man accused of shouting a racial slur at players from the University of Utah women’s basketball team during the NCAA tournament in March. The incident occurred outside the team’s hotel in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a region with historical associations with white supremacist groups, drawing national attention.

During a press conference, Utah Women’s Head Coach Lynne Roberts recounted how men in pickup trucks, one displaying a Confederate flag, revved their engines and shouted the N-word at her players as they walked to and from dinner. Following a two-month investigation that included FBI assistance and the review of CCTV footage, authorities identified a local high school student who admitted to yelling the racial slur. However, prosecutors concluded insufficient evidence to meet the legal requirements for charges. Despite the lack of charges, the NCAA provided extra security for the Utah team and other teams staying in Coeur d’Alene, relocating the Utah team to a hotel in Spokane the following day (6).

Germany

Surge in Attacks on German Politicians Sparks National Concern

Recent violent assaults on politicians in Germany have ignited a national debate over the country’s increasingly tense political climate, drawing comparisons to darker chapters of its history. Incidents such as the brutal beating of Matthias Ecke, a member of the European Parliament, while hanging campaign posters in Dresden, have rattled many and raised alarm across the country. The assault on Ecke, which left him hospitalized with fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket, is just one in a series of attacks targeting political figures in recent weeks.

The wave of violence has prompted German officials to consider tougher measures to combat political extremism and protect elected representatives. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser labeled the recent attacks as symptomatic of an alarming rise in anti-democratic violence, leading to discussions on sharpening legal penalties for such offenses (7). The surge in politically motivated crimes, including violent attacks, has become a growing concern, with a record number of incidents reported in 2022, signaling a troubling trend that many fear could further escalate if left unchecked.

While far-right groups like the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) have often been implicated in stoking divisive rhetoric, politicians across the political spectrum have become targets of violence. The situation has prompted soul-searching among German politicians, with some pointing to the urgent need to safeguard democratic principles and ensure that political engagement remains free from fear. As the country grapples with the fallout from these attacks, there are growing calls for unity and resilience in the face of rising political tensions.

German High Court Upholds Surveillance of Far-Right AfD Party

Germany’s high court ruled on Monday that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could continue to be treated as a potentially extremist party by domestic security services. The decision allows the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) to maintain surveillance of the AfD, which has been classified as potentially extreme since 2021 and, upholding a lower court’s finding from 2022, judges in Muenster determined that the designation was proportionate and did not violate constitutional or civil law.

In their ruling, the judges cited evidence suggesting that the AfD pursues goals contrary to human dignity and democracy, including potentially relegating German citizens with a migration background to second-rank status. The party’s recent controversies, including racist remarks by members and allegations of espionage ties to Russia and China, have heightened scrutiny. Despite the ruling, the AfD has announced plans to appeal, arguing that it is being unfairly excluded from democratic competition (8).

German Court Fines Far-Right Politician for Nazi Slogan Use

A court in Germany has fined Björn Höcke, a prominent figure in the far-right Alternative for Germany party, for knowingly using a Nazi slogan in a speech. The ruling, which comes ahead of a regional election in Thuringia, ordered Höcke to pay a fine of 13,000 euros (about $14,000). Prosecutors had sought a six-month suspended sentence, while defense lawyers argued for acquittal. The case revolved around Höcke’s use of the phrase “Everything for Germany!” in a speech in Merseburg in May 2021, which prosecutors argued was a banned SA slogan. Despite Höcke’s claims of innocence and the assertion that the phrase is an  “every day saying,” the court found him aware of its Nazi origin (9).

Höcke, known for his hard-right views and controversial statements, has been an influential figure within the AfD in Thuringia. He has previously faced criticism for calling the Holocaust memorial in Berlin a “monument of shame” and advocating for a revisionist approach to Germany’s past. While the verdict may not directly impact Höcke’s political ambitions, it underscores the ongoing scrutiny of far-right rhetoric in German politics.

Australia

Western Sydney Wanderers Fan Receives Two-Year Ban for Nazi Salute at A-League Match

A Western Sydney Wanderers supporter has been handed a two-year ban from Football Australia (FA) after being caught on camera performing a Nazi salute at an A-League Men game. The incident occurred during last month’s Sydney derby at the Sydney Football Stadium, where the fan was filmed making the gesture shortly after raising his middle finger towards the camera. The action, now illegal in New South Wales with potential jail time, prompted an investigation by NSW Police, although no arrests have been made yet.

FA condemned the behavior, emphasizing its firm stance against racism and anti-social conduct. The organization stressed that such actions violated not only the terms of admission to A-League matches but also contradicted the values of respect and inclusivity that Football Australia upholds. Consequently, the supporter has been banned from all Football Australia-sanctioned matches for two years, effective immediately. This ban extends to various levels of football competitions, including national team matches, Australia Cup games, A-League matches, and others (10).

Czech Republic

Investigation Launched After Woman Waves Nazi Flag During Plzeň Freedom Celebrations

During the Plzeň Freedom Celebrations, police are probing an incident where a woman waved a Nazi flag from an American WWII truck, as reported by the news site iROZHLAS.cz. Footage circulating on social media captures the driver of the truck passing the flag to the woman seated in the passenger seat, who proceeds to briefly wave it alongside the American flag toward the crowds.

The occurrence took place amid the Convoy of Liberty, an event featuring over 300 historic US military vehicles passing through Plzeň as part of the Freedom Celebrations commemorating the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation by US and Belgian troops at the end of World War II (11). Despite the celebratory nature of the event, the waving of the Nazi flag has sparked controversy and prompted a police investigation.

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in May 2024

In May 2024, the global landscape of far-right terrorism experienced a disturbing surge, with 11 attacks occurring across fewer countries than the previous months, specifically four different nations. However, this number is still indicative of the persistent threat posed by violent extremism from far-right ideologies.

The main focus of these events has been in the United States and Europe, 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, specifically targeting politicians. On the other hand, the Czech Republic reported an event related to far-right ideologies, marking a concerning development in the spread of extremist activities in the country.

In Germany, the focus of far-right violence has increasingly targeted politicians, igniting a national debate over the country’s tense political climate. Incidents such as the brutal beating of Matthias Ecke, a member of the European Parliament, while hanging campaign posters in Dresden, have raised alarms. The wave of violence has prompted German officials to consider tougher measures to combat political extremism and protect elected representatives.

In May 2024, there has been a notable increase in 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, with numerous incidents of incitement and the proliferation of violent rhetoric within public demonstrations. Notably, there have been no arrests during this period, indicating the complex nature of addressing these threats.

Much of the incitement to violence has been demonstrated during public events. For example, a Western Sydney Wanderers fan received a two-year ban for giving a Nazi salute at an A-League match. This gesture shocked attendees and highlighted the overt display of extremist ideologies in sports venues. Additionally, an investigation was launched after a woman waved a Nazi flag during the Plzeň Freedom Celebrations, an event meant to commemorate liberation and peace.

These incidents underscore how extremist ideologies can manifest in public spaces, heightening the urgency for effective countermeasures to prevent such displays of hate and ensure the safety and inclusivity of public events.

Throughout May 2024, the far-right extremist landscape witnessed a concerning proliferation of ideologies, albeit with a reduction in their variety. Neo-Nazi and racially motivated ideologies remain predominant, associated with multiple incidents throughout 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 racially motivated ideologies. Although these ideologies are usually directed against the black community, this month noticed a case of black supremacy, where a former Marine was arrested for threatening a mass shooting against white people, marking a troubling expansion of racial extremism beyond traditionally recognized groups.

The emergence of both Neo-Nazi and racially motivated ideologies underscores the importance of addressing not only the manifestations of extremist violence but also the underlying beliefs and grievances that fuel radicalization. As these ideologies continue to inspire hate and violence, the need for comprehensive counter-extremism measures becomes increasingly urgent.

REFERENCES

ABC News. n.d. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/verdict-expected-german-politician-bjrn-hcke-accused-nazi-110204715

ABC. “Western Sydney Wanderers supporter banned for Nazi salute.” 2024. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-13/western-sydney-wanderers-supporter-banned-for-nazi-salute/103841468

The American Prospect. ALI KANU, HASSAN. 2024. “The Governor of Texas Nods to White Supremacist Violence.” https://prospect.org/justice/2024-05-21-governor-texas-white-supremacist-violence-daniel-perry/

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY RADIO. Siegler, Kirk. 2024. “Man admits racial harassment of Utah women’s NCAA basketball team.” https://wamu.org/story/24/05/07/man-admits-racial-harassment-of-utah-womens-ncaa-basketball-team/

Politico. Angelos, James. 2024. “Attacks on German politicians stir memories of Nazi past.” https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-politics-violence-attacks-election/

Razón Pública. Anzola, Marcela. 2024. “El “aceleracionismo” en Estados Unidos: ¿una amenaza real?” https://razonpublica.com/aceleracionismo-estados-unidos-una-amenaza-real/

News 5 Cleveland. Di Tirro, Tessa. 2024. “Families on edge after a racist flyer circulating around Akron.” https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/families-on-edge-after-a-racist-flyer-circulating-around-akron

Radio Prague. Fodor, Anna. 2024. “Police investigating video of woman waving Nazi flag from truck in convoy at Plzeň Freedom Celebrations.” https://english.radio.cz/police-investigating-video-woman-waving-nazi-flag-truck-convoy-plzen-freedom-8816131

NBC News. Helsel, Phil. 2024. “New Jersey Marine accused of threats to kill white people, commit mass shooting.” https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-jersey-marine-accused-threats-kill-white-people-mass-shooting-rcna152082

The Sun Chronicle. Peterson, Stephen. 2024. “Swastika, white supremacist message discovered in Wheaton College dorm in Norton.” https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/swastika-white-supremacist-message-discovered-in-wheaton-college-dorm-in-norton/article_0db091a1-407f-5ca1-a2eb-2e2d7019e996.html?utm_source=ground.news&utm_medium=referral

USNews.com. “German Court Finds Far-Right AfD Pursues Goals ‘Against Democracy.’” 2024. https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-05-13/german-court-upholds-extremist-classification-for-far-right-party