Analysis of Far-Right Violence Extremism – September 2025

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Introduction

In September 2025, the global landscape was marked by an alarming presence of terrorism and extremism linked to extreme right-wing ideologies. This analysis underscores the paramount significance of this issue in the contemporary world order.

Terrorism and extremism, irrespective of their ideological roots, have 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 extremism in September 2025, offering insights into its evolution and current manifestations. By examining the trends, causative factors, and implications of this phenomenon, our objective is to raise awareness and inform policymaking, while fostering international collaboration to counter this growing menace.

 

UNITED STATES

Man Arrested and Charged in Plot Against Energy Facility

A 24-year-old man from Columbia, Tennessee, identified as Skyler Philippi, was arrested on charges of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility in Nashville. He allegedly intended to attack a power grid using a drone loaded with explosives, aiming to disable critical infrastructure and inflict widespread disruption. The plot reportedly stemmed from his adherence to violent white supremacist ideology, and was intercepted by the FBI before it could be carried out (1).

Beginning in mid-2024, Philippi allegedly researched and discussed targeting high-impact electrical substations, reconnoitered potential sites, and procured explosive materials. On the day of his arrest, he was found in a vehicle carrying an armed drone and explosives. He has since pleaded guilty to the charges, and faces a possible life sentence under federal law.

Active Clubs: White Supremacy’s Covert Fitness Facade

A growing network of so-called “Active Clubs” is being identified as a new, more insidious front for white supremacist organizing. Under the guise of fitness, combat sports, and masculinity culture, these groups recruit and radicalize young white men by embedding extremist ideology into workout routines, martial arts, and self-improvement narratives. While publicly presenting themselves as apolitical or benign fitness groups, they secretly coordinate via encrypted apps, use alternative social media for propaganda, and engage in ideological training and recruitment.

These clubs operate in small, semi-autonomous cells, making them harder for law enforcement and civil society to detect and disrupt. Their members are encouraged to adopt a “warrior identity,” blending physical discipline with extremist ideas, preparing for what they view as inevitable racial conflict (2). The Active Club model represents a strategic shift in white supremacist tactics—decentralized, low profile, and rooted in personal transformation rather than overt political movements.

White Supremacist Sentenced to 27 Years to Life for Threats in Fullerton

Tyson Theodore Mayfield, a self-identified white supremacist bearing swastika and SS lightning-bolt tattoos, was sentenced to 27 years to life for threatening a pregnant Black woman in Fullerton, California. The confrontation occurred in 2018, when, at an eight-month pregnant stage, the woman was standing at a bus stop and Mayfield hurled racial slurs, threatened to “drop” her unborn child, and chased her until she used pepper spray and fled to a nearby café for safety (3).

Initially, in 2019, Mayfield accepted a plea deal that allowed for a five-year sentence, a decision that sparked immediate objections from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors appealed, arguing the punishment was too lenient given his history of violence and hate crimes. The appeals court overturned the earlier sentence, triggering a retrial in which Mayfield was convicted of criminal threats with a hate crime enhancement. Given his prior convictions, including assault and mayhem, the judge imposed the updated and dramatically harsher sentence.

Torrance Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Inciting Brawls in Protests

A man from Torrance, linked to a now-disbanded white supremacist group, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his involvement in inciting violent confrontations at political demonstrations. During the trial, prosecutors detailed how he and his associates promoted combat training, used social media to glamorize clashes, and purposefully stoked tensions at rallies in Southern California.

He was convicted on charges of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and rioting, making him the last defendant in the federal case against the extremist group. The case traced back to events in 2017, when members of the group allegedly assaulted counter-protesters, coordinated attacks, and sought to present themselves publicly as a militant identity movement (4).

Minneapolis School Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead, Many Injured

A shooter opened fire through the windows of a Catholic school church in Minneapolis, killing an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, and wounding more than a dozen others. The victims included schoolchildren and elderly parishioners. Officials say the suspect took his own life at the scene, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

According to authorities, all of the injured are expected to survive, and many were released from hospitals soon after. Police describe the shooter as having expressed hate toward “almost every group,” including Jews, Black people, and migrants,  and suggest he was motivated in part by admiration for past mass killers (5).

Arkansas “White Ethnostate” Plan Reflects Broader White Supremacist Strategy

A group in Arkansas named Return to the Land has launched a controversial project to create “whites-only” communities in rural areas, presenting itself as a private membership association aimed at preserving European heritage. Its leaders openly advocate for the exclusion of people based on race, religion, and sexual orientation, arguing that forming racially homogeneous enclaves is a lawful path toward a white ethnostate. Their early efforts include land acquisitions in the Ozark Mountains and expansion plans.

This initiative is not isolated, but rather part of a larger movement in the U.S. that seeks to normalize white separatism through the creation of small, self-contained communities. While such efforts have remained on the fringe, they echo historic proposals and extremist ideologies including the “Northwest Imperative,” and highlight how modern white supremacists are adapting tactics—from territorial projects to coded language—to advance racially exclusionary goals (6).

Right-Wing Outrage Grows After Killing of Charlie Kirk

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a fierce backlash within right-wing circles, where many have portrayed his death as a direct attack on the MAGA movement and blamed progressive adversaries (7). Social media platforms saw waves of calls for retribution and warnings of a broader political confrontation. Even as prominent conservative voices—including former President Trump—denounced violence, claims that the left was responsible for the killing proliferated among supporters.

Analysts warn that the intense emotional reaction and radical rhetoric could shift the political climate toward escalation, especially as online discourse amplifies calls for vengeance. Some experts caution about the risk of a “spiral” of political violence, urging leaders and institutions to address both security and the deeper divisions fueling such extremist responses.

FBI Aware of Shooter’s Troubling Posts Before Colorado High School Attack

The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that it had been flagged in July about disturbing online posts made by Desmond Holly, the 16-year-old who later carried out a shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado (8). On the day of the attack, Holly opened fire inside the school, injuring two students before taking his own life. Investigators said that while his posts were under review, they had not been able to connect them to his real identity, leaving them without the probable cause needed to intervene.

In the weeks leading up to the shooting, Holly had gathered tactical gear and shared extremist content, including neo-Nazi views and praise for previous school shooters. The case has raised fresh concerns over how law enforcement tracks online threats and when preventive action should be taken to stop ideologically motivated violence before it escalates into tragedy.

CAIR Denounces White Supremacist Propaganda in Montana

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has once again publicly condemned the distribution of white supremacist materials across communities in Montana. The propaganda—consisting of flyers, stickers, and other items bearing extremist content—was found in residential neighborhoods and on public property, stirring alarm and outrage among residents (9). CAIR emphasized that such messaging is not only hateful but also intended to intimidate marginalized groups and foster division.

In its statement, CAIR called on law enforcement and local officials to take swift action: to investigate these incidents, remove the materials, and hold those responsible accountable. The organization also urged community leaders, schools, and civil society groups to step up outreach, education, and resilience efforts to push back against hate propaganda and uphold civic values of inclusion and respect.

 

AUSTRALIA

Neo-Nazis and Politicians Take Stage at “March for Australia” Rallies

Anti-immigration “March for Australia” protests unfolded across major Australian cities, drawing substantial criticism as organizers, speakers, and participants included neo-Nazis, fringe anti-lockdown activists, and mainstream political figures. In Melbourne, neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell addressed the crowd, claiming leadership over the movement, while in Canberra, One Nation’s Pauline Hanson and Senator Malcolm Roberts took part in the demonstration (10). The marches, branded by federal leaders as hateful and divisive, were heavily policed and countered by antifascist protesters, resulting in verbal clashes, bottles thrown, and some arrests.

In Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and other locations, thousands of people joined the protests, many waving Australian flags and carrying anti-immigration signs. Authorities deployed large numbers of officers to separate rival groups. In Adelaide, a section of protesters expressed solidarity with a fugitive wanted for killing police officers. While organizers did not publicly claim responsibility for the rallies, the events stirred debate over the boundaries of free speech, public order, and the impact of far-right mobilization on Australia’s social cohesion.

Overseas Neo-Nazi Networks Fuel Australia’s Far-Right Surge

A cache of leaked private messages reveals that Australia’s neo-Nazi groups have drawn direct inspiration from, and maintained communication with, international extremist networks. These exchanges show how local actors have studied foreign tactics, adopted organizational models, and sought to replicate structures and propaganda strategies already used elsewhere (11). The National Socialist Network (NSN), Australia’s most prominent neo-Nazi group, is portrayed as applying a global “far-right playbook” while wrapping itself in local issues around race, identity, and immigration to gain traction at home.

As the NSN pushes to transform into a more visible political force, multicultural and civic organizations are demanding its official proscription as a terrorist group. They argue that its ideology and rhetoric threaten social cohesion, especially given its involvement in recent anti-immigration marches and attacks on Indigenous protest sites. At the same time, authorities face the challenge of tracking extremist activity online and curbing the transnational spread of white supremacist ideology in an increasingly networked world.

Neo-Nazis Occupy Parliament Steps Again Amid Debate Over Protest Laws

Neo-Nazis led by Thomas Sewell have once more occupied the steps of Victoria’s Parliament in Melbourne during the “March for Australia” rally, marking a repeat of a similar act two years ago. Sewell delivered a speech from the steps, draped in national imagery, reigniting questions about how extremist groups gain visibility amid large public protests. Despite existing police powers in Victoria, critics argue that enforcement has been inconsistent. Some political figures are calling for stricter protest permit regimes and “move-on” laws, though opponents warn these could infringe civil liberties and unfairly target dissent.

Meanwhile, Victoria is poised to enact new anti-vilification laws that would criminalize serious vilification, carrying penalties up to five years’ imprisonment. Even so, analysts caution that legal tools alone won’t extinguish extremist activity. They emphasize the necessity of longer-term strategies—such as education, community engagement, and deradicalization—to address the underlying social and ideological currents fueling radical movements (12).

Neo-Nazis Attack Sacred Indigenous Site After Anti-Immigration March

During the “March for Australia” anti-immigration rally in Melbourne, members of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN) broke off and attacked Camp Sovereignty, a sacred Indigenous site and burial ground. The mob, reportedly armed with poles and pipes, stormed the encampment, tore down Aboriginal flags, stomped on the ceremonial fire, and targeted women among the defenders. Four people were injured, two seriously, as the attackers chanted racial slurs and “white power” (13).

The incident has alarmed observers who see this as part of a worrying escalation of far-right violence in Australia. Researchers highlight that the NSN is connected to transnational extremist networks and has begun to openly adopt tactics of intimidation and physical assault. Indigenous leaders and civil-society groups are calling for the attack to be treated as a hate crime, and for deeper institutional reflection, given concerns about selective policing and the slow recognition of extremist threats.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Teen Detained After Planning School Shootings Under Neo-Nazi Ideology

A 15-year-old boy was detained after authorities found that he had amassed a cache of weapons—including crossbows, knives, a stun gun, and air weapons—and had been discussing plans to “shoot up” local schools. He had also possessed ideological materials aligned with neo-Nazi and extremist views, and had expressed admiration for past school shooters, referring to a “Doomsday” scenario at his school. In court, prosecutors outlined how his online activity, obsession with violent figures, and weapon stockpiling raised serious concerns about an imminent threat (14).

The case underscores the challenges of identifying and intervening when radicalization happens quietly and among youth. Given his age, much of the trial moved through youth-justice and counterterrorism pathways. The situation has sparked debate over how best to respond to potential lone-actor threats, the intersections of mental health and ideology, and how to prevent dangerous escalation before it translates into violence.

Neo-Nazi Music Family Imprisoned for Inciting Racial Hatred

A father and his two adult children have been sentenced after being convicted of using neo-Nazi music to incite racial hatred. Robert Talland, along with his daughter Rosie and son Stephen, conspired to produce and distribute recordings containing lyrics that called for violence, racial conflict, and white supremacist ideology. They also organized a concert in Leeds where Nazi flags were displayed and the crowd performed Nazi salutes (15).

Talland ran a record label that distributed extremist material and was found guilty of offences including disseminating terrorist content and possession of racially inflammatory material. The children were sentenced for inciting racial hatred through their performances and lyrics. Their convictions underscore how cultural forms like music can serve as tools for radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology.

Massive Anti-Immigration Rally in London Draws Far-Right Activists

A massive anti-immigration demonstration led by far-right groups swept through central London, with tens of thousands of participants rallying under slogans like “Take Back the Country” (16). The march was organized by Tommy Robinson and congregated supporters demanding stricter migration policies and the abolition of the asylum system. Clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement; at least nine people were arrested for assaulting police officers amid moments of tension and disorder.

Counterprotests organized by anti-racism groups attempted to block parts of the march, creating standoffs along key routes. The heavy deployment of police forces and strategic barriers aimed to prevent confrontations between opposing groups. The event has sparked renewed concern over the mainstreaming of far-right mobilization and the normalization of anti-immigrant sentiment in public streets.

 

GERMANY

German Extremist Network Accused of Plotting Neo-Nazi State

German prosecutors have charged eight alleged members of a far-right group known as the “Saxony Separatists” with terrorism and treason, accusing them of preparing to seize control of territory in eastern Germany and establish a neo-Nazi regime (17). The group is said to have anticipated the collapse of the federal state (what they called “Day X”) and planned to violently carve out regions in Saxony, removing ethnic minorities and officials of the existing state order. Their preparations included paramilitary training, weapon stockpiling, and tactical exercises meant to simulate urban warfare and armed uprising.

Their conspiracy is portrayed as more than rhetorical: raids on their facilities uncovered knives, machetes, ammunition, combat gear, camouflage, and helmets. These developments mark a serious escalation in right-wing extremism in Germany, revealing how some cells aspire not merely to spread ideology, but to physically overthrow democratic structures. The case underscores the threat of militant organizational forms within the far right and raises urgent questions about monitoring, prevention, and legal responses to plots aimed at dismantling constitutional order.

 

SPAIN

Neo-Nazi Graffiti and Feces Bags Alleged in Murcia

In Murcia, residents reported disturbing acts of hate vandalism, including neo-Nazi slogans painted on walls and plastic bags filled with dog feces left in public areas. The messages displayed symbols and phrases associated with white supremacist ideology, drawing alarm from local community members. The incidents stirred outrage over both the offensive content and the apparent degrading methods employed by the perpetrators.

Citizens and local organizations called for swift investigation and stronger prevention measures, arguing that such provocations sow fear and division. City officials said they would increase inspections, remove hateful markings quickly, and cooperate with law enforcement to identify those responsible, hoping to deter further acts of intimidation (18).

 

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in September 2025

In September 2025, a total of 18 incidents linked to terrorism and right-wing extremist violence were recorded worldwide, marking a slight increase compared to August’s 17 cases. The United States remained the most affected country with 9 incidents, followed by Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany.

While the overall number of incidents shows relative stability compared to the summer peak, what is striking is the persistent geographic concentration of extremist violence in Western democracies. Incidents remain clustered mainly in the United States, Europe, and Australia, underscoring how right-wing extremist networks operate across these regions as a transnational phenomenon, adapting their narratives to local contexts while maintaining a shared ideological core.

The recurrence of incidents in liberal democracies reflects the challenge of balancing security and civil liberties. Authorities continue to struggle with how to counter radicalization pathways that increasingly blend online propaganda, community-level mobilization, and violent action.

September 2025 highlights once again how incitement of violence dominates extremist activity, with nine incidents — by far the largest share of this month’s cases. Direct acts of violence and legal responses such as arrests and trials followed, while threats of violence remained a consistent element of extremist repertoires. Notably, there were no recorded legislative proposals or legal acts this month, in contrast with recent episodes of cultural and political confrontation.

This breakdown confirms that right-wing extremist movements continue to operate primarily through the amplification of hate speech, propaganda, and calls to violence, rather than sustained large-scale physical attacks. The prevalence of incitement illustrates how the discursive battlefield remains central: extremist groups seek visibility, recruits, and legitimacy through words that normalize hostility and lower the threshold for violent action.

The persistence of this pattern underscores the interconnectedness of rhetoric and action. While arrests and trials show some institutional response, the scale of incitement demonstrates that law enforcement alone is insufficient. Addressing this threat requires multi-layered strategies: regulation of online ecosystems, public resilience-building, and proactive defense of democratic discourse against intimidation and radical propaganda.

September’s incidents were dominated by Neo-Nazi ideology and White Supremacy, which together account for more than half of all cases. This confirms that hierarchical worldviews remain the backbone of right-wing extremist violence, serving as the primary drivers of hate and mobilization.

Secondary but still significant categories include xenophobia, racially motivated violence, and unspecified extreme-right narratives, showing the persistence of broad-based hostility toward minorities and migrants. Smaller but concerning shares of anti-Semitism and anti-government extremism illustrate the fragmented yet resilient spectrum of extremist ideologies.

The ideological picture this month underscores how explicitly racist doctrines continue to anchor extremist movements, while diffuse narratives — from xenophobia to anti-government conspiracies — provide entry points for radicalization. This fragmentation creates opportunities for extremists to repackage their messaging across different platforms and audiences, sustaining their relevance despite legal and social countermeasures.

 

REFERENCES:

ABC Australia. D. Tran. Overseas Neo-Nazi Groups Shaping the Australian Far-Right. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-07/overseas-neo-nazi-groups-shaping-australian-far-right/105741342

ABC News. D. Brennan & E. Shapiro. Multiple Minneapolis Shooting Victims Released from Hospital, Police Chief Says. https://abcnews.go.com/US/multiple-minneapolis-shooting-victims-released-hospital-police-chief/story?id=125049583

ABC News. Man Pleads Guilty in Neo-Nazi-Inspired Plot to Bomb Synagogue. https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-pleads-guilty-neo-nazi-inspired-plot-bomb/story?id=125401895

Al Jazeera. P. Thevarajah. Australian Neo-Nazi Attack on Sacred Indigenous Site a Worrying Trend. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/6/australian-neo-nazi-attack-on-sacred-indigenous-site-a-worrying-trend

BBC. C. Hughes. Neo-Nazi Plot to Attack Targets in UK Foiled. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2kzed3ykwzo

CAIR. CAIR Again Condemns Distribution of White Supremacist Propaganda in Montana. https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-again-condemns-distribution-of-white-supremacist-propaganda-in-montana/

CPS. Neo-Nazi Music Family Sentenced for Stirring Racial Hatred. https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/neo-nazi-music-family-sentenced-stirring-racial-hatred

Deutsche Welle. W. Rahn. German Extremists Charged with Planning Neo-Nazi State. https://www.dw.com/en/german-extremists-charged-with-planning-neo-nazi-state/a-73953237

Excélsior California. Servicios de SCNG. Hombre de Torrance vinculado a un grupo supremacista recibe 3 años de prisión por incitar peleas en manifestaciones. https://www.excelsiorcalifornia.com/2025/08/30/hombre-de-torrance-vinculado-a-un-grupo-supremacista-recibe-3-anos-de-prision-por-incitar-peleas-en-manifestaciones/

Fox News. P. Arias. FBI Aware of Colorado High School Shooter’s Troubling Online Posts Before Attack. https://www.foxnews.com/us/fbi-aware-colorado-high-school-shooters-troubling-online-posts-before-attack

France 24. Multitudinaria protesta antiinmigración impulsada por la extrema derecha en Franc ia. https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/multitudinaria-protesta-antiinmigraci%C3%B3n-impulsada-extrema-164032772.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACRTpE4eZn2542kY78Yse-DN9sVY6drHDPln36VhWeDJFnid8UONx01flsRimH8nalW5dvHlKDVemhpMfyYo_0Ml1HtHIrSDzvHLsNztd-JEyKk4Fs0wFbGG0zPeQwKQ7hU5wduG6vwEblVKDJRkAUkQLTU-oHU7ChUAo_Sja1Re

La Opinión de Murcia. J. López Picazo. Denuncian pintadas neonazis y bolsas de caca en Murcia. https://www.laopiniondemurcia.es/fotos/municipios/2025/09/08/denuncian-pintadas-neonazis-bolsas-caca-121342501.html

News from the States. A. Jipson. Active Clubs Are White Supremacy’s New Dangerous Frontier. https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/active-clubs-are-white-supremacys-new-dangerous%C2%A0frontier

OC Register. S. Emery. White Supremacist Who Threatened Pregnant Black Woman in Fullerton Gets 27 Years to Life in Prison. https://www.ocregister.com/2025/08/29/white-supremacist-who-threatened-pregnant-black-woman-in-fullerton-gets-27-years-to-life-in-prison/

Reuters. J. Tanfani, N. Parker & J. Shiffman. Right-Wing Anger Surges as Kirk’s Killing Fuels Calls for Vengeance. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/right-wing-anger-surges-kirks-killing-fuels-calls-vengeance-2025-09-12/

The Conversation. P. Becker. An Arkansas Group’s Effort to Build a White Ethnostate Forms Part of a Wider US Movement Inspired by White Supremacy. https://theconversation.com/an-arkansas-groups-effort-to-build-a-white-ethnostate-forms-part-of-a-wider-us-movement-inspired-by-white-supremacy-261999

The Guardian. B. Kolovos. Neo-Nazis Rally on Victoria Parliament Steps Against Proposed Laws. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/06/neo-nazis-victoria-parliament-steps-protest-laws

The Guardian. S. Conver & N. May. March for Australia: Neo-Nazis Among Protesters at Anti-Immigration Rallies. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/31/march-for-australia-neo-nazis-among-protesters-at-anti-immigration-rallies

U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Public Affairs. Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and Destroy Energy Facility. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/man-arrested-and-charged-attempting-use-weapon-mass-destruction-and-destroy-energy-facility