Far-right violence and terrorism – August 2024

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Introduction

In August 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 August 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.

 

EUROPEAN UNION

EU Adds Neo-Nazi Group ‘The Base’ to The Terrorist List

The European Union has added the neo-Nazi group ‘The Base’ to its list of terrorist organizations. Founded in 2018 by Rinaldo Nazzaro, an American currently living in Russia, the group has been linked to numerous violent attacks. This designation allows the EU to freeze the group’s assets and prevent it from obtaining funding within its member states (1). The Base was already classified as a terrorist entity by Canada.

The Base sees itself as a militant force protecting the “European race” against a corrupt system tainted by Jewish values. The group’s ideology is deeply rooted in neo-Nazi beliefs, advocating for a racial conflict they believe is imminent. They support violence as a means to dismantle the existing political and social order. Recent criminal activities include defacing synagogues with Nazi symbols, planning attacks on religious sites, and engaging in violent conspiracies. The group’s extreme rhetoric and violent actions have led to arrests and charges against its members, underscoring the serious threat they pose.

 

AUSTRALIA

NSW Greens Office Targeted by Islamophobic and White Supremacist Graffiti

The New South Wales Greens office in western Sydney was vandalized with graffiti featuring Islamophobic and white supremacist messages. The graffiti called an Islamic prophet a “white supremacist” and included threats against the Greens, accusing them of disrespecting the Australian War Memorial (2). This attack appears to be a reaction to previous vandalism at the memorial, which had been defaced with pro-Palestinian messages.

Police are investigating the incident and are searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for the graffiti. In response, Mehreen Faruqi, the Greens’ deputy leader and anti-racism spokesperson, has called on the Albanese government to take stronger action against rising Islamophobia and white supremacist rhetoric. The attack follows similar incidents where Labor Party offices were vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti and threats, reflecting a broader increase in hate crimes and vandalism linked to the Gaza conflict.

 

PORTUGAL

YouTube Shuts Down Portuguese Ultranationalist Group’s Channel for Hate Speech Violations

YouTube has shut down the channel of Portuguese ultranationalist group Grupo 1143, led by neo-Nazi activist Mario Machado, for violating its hate speech policies. The decision followed inquiries from The New York Times, which was investigating the connection between online hate speech and real-world violence.

Grupo 1143 is known for organizing anti-immigration and anti-Islam protests and has been linked to violent attacks on migrants in Portugal, which are currently under investigation (3).

Despite the channel’s removal, the group remains active on other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. Machado, who has a criminal history including assault and racial discrimination, criticized YouTube’s action as censorship, claiming it was part of a broader effort by the global left to silence his organization.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Disinformation Feds a Far-Right Riot After a Deadly Stabbing in England

In Southport, a fatal stabbing at a children’s dance class sparked violent riots, led by several online influencers, anti-Muslim extremists, and fascist groups, who have fueled disinformation. Misinformation spread quickly online, falsely claiming that the suspect was a migrant, which led to widespread unrest and attacks on local institutions (4). Rioters, some linked to the far-right English Defence League, targeted a mosque, threw bricks at police, set cars ablaze, and vandalized local businesses. More than 50 police officers were injured during the chaos.

The violence was exacerbated by misleading social media posts and inflammatory statements from extremist figures like Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate. Despite police efforts to clarify the attacker’s identity—confirming he was born in Cardiff and not a migrant—false claims persisted, inflaming far-right sentiments and exacerbating tensions. The unrest spread to other cities, with additional far-right demonstrations turning violent. The episode highlights the dangers of disinformation and its power to incite real-world violence.

Two Teenagers Charged with Terrorism Offences in London

Two teenagers, Rex Clark (18) from Ilford, and Sofija Vinogradova (19) from Cheshunt, have been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police into suspected extreme right-wing activity. Clark and Vinogradova appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with both charged with the preparation of terrorist acts. Additionally, Vinogradova faces two counts of collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism.

The pair have been remanded in custody until September 13, with police clarifying that these charges are not connected to recent riots sparked by the Southport attack. The investigation continues, with authorities emphasizing that there is no wider threat related to the case (5).

 

FRANCE

Suspect Arrested After Arson Attack Near Synagogue in France

Police in La Grande-Motte, France, has apprehended a suspect believed to have set fire to several cars in a parking lot across from a synagogue. The suspect was detained following a raid in Nimes, during which he reportedly fired at police officers. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin praised the elite RAID unit for their professionalism in the face of the suspect’s gunfire. The suspect sustained injuries but was not in critical condition. The attack, now being investigated as a possible terrorist act, is part of a troubling trend of rising antisemitic incidents in France.

The incident involved an initial distraction tactic, where the suspect set vehicles ablaze in a nearby parking lot, leading to a significant explosion caused by gasoline. The explosion injured a police officer and occurred just as emergency services arrived. The perpetrator attempted to set fire to the synagogue but failed to enter the building (7). The attack, which occurred amid increased antisemitic violence in France, has prompted heightened security measures around Jewish institutions and a strong condemnation from French officials.

 

GERMANY

Far-Right Protest Disrupted During Pride Event in Leipzig

In Leipzig, Germany, a gathering of 300 to 400 far-right extremists and neo-Nazis was disrupted by police as they attempted to stage a protest near a 19,000-strong LGBTQ+ Pride parade. The far-right rally, which displayed aggressive behavior, was quickly dispersed by authorities, with participants detained for identity checks and searches. This marked the second such counterprotest in a week, highlighting the ongoing tensions between far-right groups and the LGBTQ+ community in the region (10).

Meanwhile, the Pride event in Leipzig, known as Christopher Street Day, saw significant support from politicians and community leaders, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights amidst a rising far-right presence in eastern Germany. The event underscored concerns over the potential threat to LGBTQ+ rights as far-right parties gain traction in upcoming regional elections.

German Federal Court Upholds Conviction of 99-Year-Old Former Nazi Camp Secretary

Germany’s Federal Court has upheld the conviction of 99-year-old Irmgard Furchner, who served as a typist at the Stutthof concentration camp during World War II, for her complicity in the murder of 10,505 people. The court rejected her defense’s claim that her duties were merely routine tasks, ruling that she was fully aware of and supported the atrocities being committed at the camp. Furchner had initially received a suspended two-year sentence in 2022, and this final ruling reinforces Germany’s commitment to prosecuting those involved in Holocaust crimes, even decades later.

This case is part of a broader effort by German authorities to address Holocaust-related crimes, as seen in the recent fine imposed on Björn Höcke, a regional leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, for using a Nazi slogan. These actions highlight Germany’s strict stance against Nazi glorification and its ongoing pursuit of justice for Holocaust victims (11).

 

UNITED STATES

Sen. JD Vance Addresses White Supremacist Attacks on Wife Amidst Controversy

Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), a vice-presidential candidate, recently spoke out about the white supremacist attacks targeting his wife, Usha Vance, who is of Indian descent. In an interview, Vance expressed his unwavering support for his wife, emphasizing his love for her despite the hate they have faced from far-right extremists. The attacks have intensified following Vance’s nomination, with white supremacists like Nick Fuentes questioning Vance’s commitment to white identity due to his mixed-race family (12).

The controversy surrounding Vance’s wife highlights a broader issue of racism and xenophobia in political discourse. Usha Vance has been subjected to a wave of racist comments, particularly after her appearance at the Republican National Convention. Stop AAPI Hate, an organization combating injustice against Asian Americans, has condemned the targeted attacks and noted a disturbing trend of racism directed at South Asians in the political arena.

Influencer Sues Right-Wing Host for Defamation Over Baseless Sex Crime Accusations

José Rolón, a well-known influencer under the handle @nycgaydad, has filed a defamation lawsuit against right-wing conspiracy theorist Stew Peters. The lawsuit, filed in New York, comes after Peters falsely accused Rolón of committing sex crimes against his three children, sparking a wave of harassment from Peters’ followers. Rolón, represented by attorneys from Locke Lord LLP and C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, legal costs, and the forfeiture of any financial gains Peters made from these attacks.

The lawsuit highlights Peters’ pattern of inciting harassment against marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Peters’ false and inflammatory remarks, which included calling Rolón a “creep” and a “pervert homo,” have been removed following a cease-and-desist letter, but Rolón’s legal team is determined to hold Peters accountable. Attorney Carrie Goldberg emphasized the seriousness of Peters’ actions, noting that while free speech is protected, it does not extend to incitement and defamation that endangers lives (13).

Neo-Nazi Group ‘The Base’ Seeks U.S. Leader as Election Season Heats Up

As the U.S. presidential election season intensifies, the neo-Nazi terror group “The Base,” led by Russia-based Rinaldo Nazzaro, is attempting to revive its operations stateside. Nazzaro, a former Pentagon contractor, has posted on Telegram seeking a U.S.-based leader for the group, offering a salary of up to $1,200 a month (14). The group, which adheres to accelerationism—a doctrine advocating for societal collapse through terrorism—is under FBI scrutiny and has been linked to plots of assassination and mass shootings in the past.

Nazzaro, who is under investigation by the FBI and has faced allegations of being a Russian intelligence asset, is reportedly funding the group through cryptocurrencies. Despite the group’s diminished numbers following mass arrests and infiltration by the FBI, its activities continue, with recent posts showing armed members in various U.S. states. The group’s recruitment efforts and Nazzaro’s leadership from Russia have raised concerns among counterterrorism experts, particularly as the U.S. government warns of potential foreign election meddling.

Jan. 6 Rioter David Dempsey Sentenced to 20 Years for Brutal Assaults on Police

David Dempsey, a California man convicted of severe and prolonged assaults on police officers during the January 6th Capitol riot, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. This sentence, handed down by D.C. District Judge Royce Lamberth, is the second-longest given to any defendant related to the Capitol attack. During the trial, prosecutors presented videos of Dempsey violently attacking police officers near the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace, including striking an officer with a stolen metal crutch.

Judge Lamberth described Dempsey’s actions as “exceptionally egregious,” citing his extensive criminal history and previous violent behavior at protests (16). Despite expressing remorse in court, Dempsey was seen making a hand sign associated with white supremacy as he was led away. The sentencing reflects ongoing efforts by federal prosecutors, who have charged over 1,265 individuals and secured convictions for more than 460 in connection with the January 6th events.

CAIR Condemns Distribution of White Supremacist Flyers in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the recent distribution of white supremacist flyers in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. The flyers, promoting a racist organization, were found scattered throughout the neighborhood, and security camera footage captured a car distributing them. Police are seeking information from the public to identify those responsible.

CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison criticized the use of bigoted propaganda to intimidate and recruit followers. He urged Elkhorn residents to unite against the hate-filled messages and reaffirmed CAIR’s commitment to combating various forms of bigotry, including white supremacy and antisemitism (18).

Harrisburg Responds to Neo-Nazi March with Calls for Unity and Condemnation of Hate

Following a neo-Nazi group’s march past the Capitol in Harrisburg, local residents and officials have rallied to condemn hate and support equity. The demonstration, involving about two dozen individuals chanting “white power” and displaying swastika flags, prompted community responses such as a pro-peace rally and public statements from local leaders (19). Will Fuller of Search for Common Ground and Chad Dion Lassiter of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission emphasized the importance of building coalitions and standing firmly against extremist violence.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams and Police Commissioner Thomas Carter released a statement rejecting the hate-filled message of the demonstrators. Meanwhile, responses from politicians, including U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, have faced criticism for misrepresenting the ideological affiliations of extremist groups. Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson and others have called for a united front against antisemitism and political violence, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat hate.

Hatewatch Reveals Identity of Influential White Nationalist Author

Hatewatch has identified Christopher Moore, 60, as the pseudonymous author Francis Roger Devlin, whose writings significantly shaped the “manosphere,” a network of blogs and forums promoting anti-feminist and male supremacist ideologies. Moore, a former academic, has been influential through his 2006 essay “Sexual Utopia in Power” and its 2015 book iteration (20). These works argue that gender equality policies have harmed men and contributed to declining birth rates in Western societies, concepts that have resonated with both white nationalists and far-right figures.

Moore, who has spoken at radical-right conferences and contributed extensively to white nationalist publications, has recently been linked to the Homeland Institute, a white nationalist think tank he co-founded. His ideas on hypergamy and gender dynamics continue to influence male supremacist communities and extremist figures, shaping discussions on gender relations and justifying hostile attitudes towards women.

Colorado Man Charged with Threats Against Election Officials and Law Enforcement

Teak Brockbank, a 45-year-old resident of Cortez, Colorado, has been arrested and charged by the FBI with making interstate threats against election officials, a judge, and federal law enforcement agents. Brockbank, known online by the username “Teakty4u,” allegedly used right-wing social media platforms Rumble and Gab to issue threats, including calls for violence against public servants and claims that it was time to execute certain officials (21).

According to the FBI affidavit, Brockbank has a history of illegal firearm possession and has expressed support for extremist QAnon slogans. Despite being barred from owning guns due to a previous conviction, he was found to have access to firearms. Federal authorities also noted his continued advocacy for violence and his recent failed attempts to purchase guns. Brockbank’s case underscores ongoing concerns about threats of violence against public officials and the intersection of extremist rhetoric with illegal activities.

 

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in August 2024

In August 2024, the global landscape of far-right terrorism remained deeply concerning, with a notable increase in violence and extremist activities. There were 21 incidents primarily concentrated in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. Europe, in particular, saw a significant rise in such events, reflecting the growing influence of extremist ideologies across the continent.

Germany continues to be a focal point amid this surge in far-right activity. The ongoing increase in support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained substantial electoral traction, highlights the broader trend of extremist ideologies gaining mainstream acceptance. This shift has prompted German intelligence services to intensify their monitoring of the party for potential links to extremism.

A particularly noteworthy development in Europe is the European Union’s recent decision to add the Neo-Nazi group ‘The Base’ to its terrorist list. This action underscores the EU’s recognition of the severe threat posed by far-right extremism and the need for coordinated efforts to combat it.

In August 2024, although the number of trials related to extreme right-wing ideologies has seen a decline, the presence of far-right extremism remains a significant concern, as evidenced by two acts of violence and an increase in related incidents. These events underscore the persistent threat posed by extremist groups, which continue to challenge social stability and public safety. The rise in these violent activities, despite fewer trials, highlights the adaptability and ongoing influence of far-right ideologies, which continue to motivate individuals and groups to commit acts of violence and intimidation.

Moreover, law enforcement efforts have led to at least one significant arrest this month: a Colorado man was charged with making threats against election officials and law enforcement. This arrest demonstrates the ongoing risk that far-right extremists pose to democratic processes and public officials. The combination of violent incidents and targeted threats reflects a broader pattern of radicalization and hostility that remains a critical challenge for authorities. As these groups persist in their efforts to disrupt and intimidate, the need for vigilant law enforcement and comprehensive strategies to counteract far-right extremism remains as urgent as ever.

Throughout August 2024, the far-right extremist landscape remained deeply troubling, with Neo-Nazi, white supremacy, and broader extreme right ideologies continuing to dominate. These dangerous beliefs have fueled numerous incidents of violence and hate, highlighting their persistent and harmful influence on society.

This month, there has also been a noticeable rise in other ideologies within the far-right spectrum, including accelerationism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, particularly evident in events like the UK protests. These ideologies, which promote societal collapse and hostility towards immigrants and Muslims, reflect the evolving and increasingly diverse nature of far-right extremism.

Additionally, national supremacy has emerged as a key belief system within these circles, further expanding the scope of extremist rhetoric and actions. This emphasis on national supremacy, advocating the dominance of a particular nation or ethnic group, has intensified divisions and justified aggressive actions against perceived outsiders. The diversification of far-right ideologies—from traditional Neo-Nazi and white supremacist views to newer, more radical notions like accelerationism—underscores the growing complexity and danger of these movements. As these ideologies continue to spread, they present significant challenges to maintaining societal harmony and require comprehensive strategies to counteract their impact.

REFERENCES

ABC News. Mallin, A. (2024, August 9). Jan. 6 rioter who attacked numerous officers sentenced to 20 years. https://abcnews.go.com/US/jan-6-rioter-attacked-numerous-officers-sentenced-20/story?id=112722004

Advocate. ADAMCZESKI, R. (2024, August 1). This gay dad was called a ‘pervert homo’ by a right-wing talk show host. Now, he’s suing (exclusive). https://www.advocate.com/news/nycgaydad-jose-rolon-stew-peters-defamation-lawsuit

Antena 3. Gil, M. (2024, August 22). Los vecinos de Bornos denuncian la exhibición de una enorme bandera franquista: “Hay que meterlos en la cárcel”. https://www.antena3.com/programas/espejo-publico/noticias/vecinos-bornos-denuncian-exhibicion-enorme-bandera-franquista-hay-que-meterlos-carcel_2024082266c6facb1dd440000164837a.html

Axios. Ravid, B. (2024, August). A day of chaos in Israel as far-right protesters storm military bases. https://www.axios.com/2024/07/30/israel-far-right-protesters-storm-military-bases

BBC. Cooney, C. (2024, August 16). Two teenagers charged with terrorism offences. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrlg5kz01xo

CAIR. (2024, August 29). CAIR Condemns Distribution of White Supremacist Propaganda in Wisconsin. https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-distribution-of-white-supremacist-propaganda-in-wisconsin/

CNN Español. Berlinger, J. (2024, August 24). Detienen al sospechoso presuntamente detrás de explosión en sinagoga al sur de Francia. https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2024/08/24/autoridades-francia-incencio-sinagoga-trax/

(2024, August 17). Germany: Far-right demo broken up near Leipzig Pride event. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-far-right-demo-broken-up-near-leipzig-pride-event/a-69969151

El Diario. Borraz, M. (2024, August 1). La extrema derecha agita un bulo contra la boxeadora olímpica Imane Khelif, a la que acusa de ser un hombre. https://www.eldiario.es/sociedad/extrema-derecha-agita-bulo-boxeadora-olimpica-acusa-hombre_1_11565658.html

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The Guardian. Makush, B. (2024, August 6). US neo-Nazi terror group aims to revive activities ahead of election. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/us-neo-nazi-base-election-rinaldo-nazzaro

Livingston Daily. Lybrink, C. (2024, August). Brighton businesses close, allege intimidation from white supremacists. https://eu.livingstondaily.com/story/news/local/community/brighton/2024/08/18/brighton-businesses-decry-another-white-supremacist-demonstration/74849730007/

NBC News. Reilly, R. J. (2024, August 26). Colorado man arrested in connection with threats against Trump opponents on right-wing websites. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/colorado-man-arrested-threats-trump-opponents-right-wing-websites-rcna168285

Oficinista. Rosique, A. (2024, August). La oficina de los Verdes de Nueva Gales del Sur fue blanco de grafitis islamófobos y supremacistas blancos. https://oficinista.mx/noticias/la-oficina-de-los-verdes-de-nueva-gales-del-sur-fue-blanco-de-grafitis-islamofobos-y-supremacistas-blancos/108510/

Reuters. Vicente, P. (2024, August 13). YouTube shuts Portuguese extreme-right group’s channel after NYT queries. https://www.reuters.com/world/youtube-shuts-portuguese-extreme-right-groups-channel-after-nyt-queries-2024-08-13/

RTVE. (2024, August 20). Alemania condena a una trabajadora de un campo de concentración nazi de 99 años por cómplice de asesinato. https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20240820/alemania-condena-trabajadora-campo-concentracion-nazi-por-complice-asesinato/16223044.shtml

SPLC. Gais, H., Squire, M., & Fugardi, R. (2024, August 29). Hatewatch has identified a previously pseudonymous author and ideologue whose writings in the 2000s and early 2010s heavily influenced the “manosphere,” a loose network of blogs, forums, websites and influencers who support rolling back women’s rights, rej. https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2024/08/29/white-nationalist-male-supremacist-author-identified

The Hill. Teshome, E. (2024, August). JD Vance acknowledges white supremacist attacks against wife Usha. https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4795119-jdvance-wife-white-supremacist-attacks/

The Jerusalem Post. (2024, August). La Unión Europea añade el grupo neo-nazi antisemita ‘The Base’ a la lista de terroristas de la UE. https://www.jpost.com/spanish/noticias-del-mundo/article-812317

The New York Times. Specia. (2024, August). How Disinformation Fed a Far-Right Riot After a Deadly Stabbing in England. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/31/world/europe/uk-stabbing-southport-riot-police.html

WITF. Wilkie, J. (2024, August 29). After white supremacists march in Harrisburg, experts say most area leaders model how to respond. https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2024-08-29/white-supremacists-harrisburg-experts-respond