Far-right violence and terrorism – November 2024

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Introduction

In November 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 November 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

White Supremacist Arrested for Attempting to Destroy Power Plant with Explosive-Laden Drone

Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old from Tennessee, was arrested for planning to use an explosive-laden drone to destroy a Nashville power plant, aiming to disrupt the regional power grid. Charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and targeting critical energy infrastructure, Philippi faces life imprisonment if convicted. The FBI revealed his plans were driven by violent white supremacist ideologies, with Philippi expressing intentions to target high-profile areas for maximum disruption. His arrest followed an undercover investigation, during which he acquired explosives and discussed his plans with undercover agents (1).

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that this case serves as a warning to those seeking to sow chaos through hate-driven violence, praising the FBI for its swift action in preventing Philippi’s plot. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted Philippi’s threat, noting that his actions could have left thousands without power, including critical infrastructure like hospitals.

Far-Right Militia Spreads Conspiracy About Military Weather Manipulation

The far-right militia group Veterans on Patrol (VOP) has accused the U.S. government of using weather manipulation technology to engineer Hurricane Helene, claiming it was a deliberate act to target communities. The conspiracy, promoted through private and public Telegram chats uncovered by the Global Project on Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), alleges that the military employs this technology as a weapon while dispersing toxins over the population. These baseless assertions have led members to discuss targeting government facilities to stop the supposed operations.

VOP’s activities exemplify far-right extremism, characterized by anti-government sentiment and the embrace of conspiracy theories (2). Experts like Heidi Beirich of GPAHE warn that such rhetoric, coupled with the group’s focus on military hurricane relief efforts and their belief in fabricated threats, creates a dangerous potential for violence. This ideology reflects a broader trend among extremist groups who interpret natural disasters as deliberate acts by the government, often citing debunked theories such as those related to HAARP.

Ohio March by Neo-Nazi Group Sparks Outrage in Columbus

A neo-Nazi group marched through Columbus, Ohio,, openly displaying Nazi flags and chanting racist and antisemitic slogans. The demonstration, organized by the so-called “Blood Tribe,” aimed to provoke outrage and incite division, according to local and national civil rights organizations (3). The group, known for its extremist white supremacist ideology, has been under scrutiny for its provocative tactics, including displaying swastikas and shouting slurs against Jewish and Black communities. Their actions, captured in videos and photos circulating online, sparked widespread condemnation from residents, activists, and public officials.

Columbus Mayor condemned the march as a “despicable display of hate” and vowed to counter extremist ideologies through community unity and law enforcement efforts. Civil rights groups have also called for stronger legal measures to combat such overt displays of racism and antisemitism. Local authorities are investigating the event, which took place without obtaining a permit, raising questions about public safety and the enforcement of regulations against hate-driven gatherings.

Aryan Brotherhood Leader Accused of Attempted Murder of California Prison Officers

Ronald D. Yandell, a prominent figure in the Aryan Brotherhood, a notorious white supremacist prison gang, has been accused of attempting to murder two officers at California State Prison in Sacramento. The incident occurred on November 22, 2024, when Yandell allegedly attacked the officers with an improvised weapon during a transfer back to his cell from the prison’s health facility. The officers managed to subdue him using pepper spray, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Yandell is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, having been incarcerated since 2004 (4). In 2019, he faced additional charges related to orchestrating multiple inmate murders and directing extensive drug trafficking operations within the prison system. Authorities have identified him as a key leader within the Aryan Brotherhood, a violent white supremacist gang established in California prisons during the late 1960s. The recent assault case has been referred to the district attorney’s office for potential felony prosecution.

 

NORWAY

Norwegian Mass Killer Anders Behring Breivik Apologizes During Parole Hearing Amid Prosecution’s Opposition

Anders Behring Breivik, the far-right extremist responsible for the 2011 attacks in Norway that claimed 77 lives, appeared in court to request parole, apologizing for his actions and claiming he no longer supports violence. Breivik, serving a 21-year sentence that can be extended indefinitely, described his radicalization as unintentional and expressed regret for the suffering caused. Despite his apologies and assertions that he has distanced himself from extremism, he displayed a white supremacist slogan during the hearing, raising concerns about his true intentions.

The prosecution strongly opposed Breivik’s parole, labeling him a significant societal danger. Prosecutor Hulda Karlsdottir argued that the risk of Breivik engaging in violent acts remains high. Breivik’s actions in 2011 included a bombing in Oslo’s government district, which killed eight people, and a mass shooting on Utøya island during a Labor Youth camp, which left 69 dead. This week’s proceedings, including new psychiatric evaluations, aim to assess his risk to the public, with the outcome likely to influence the debate on handling high-profile offenders like Breivik (5).

 

GERMANY

German Politician Resigns After Posting Offensive St. Pauli Image with Nazi Symbolism

A local politician from Delmenhorst, Germany, Bülent Büyükbayram, has stepped down from his roles within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) following public outrage over a controversial social media post. The post featured a sex doll wearing a St. Pauli football club T-shirt with a noose around its neck, the words “shit St Pauli” written on its head, and stylized ‘S’ letters resembling the Nazi SS logo (6). Bundesliga club St. Pauli, known for its left-leaning fanbase and community engagement, expressed condemnation and is considering legal action against Büyükbayram.

Büyükbayram apologized for what he described as a “stupidity” and acknowledged receiving threats after the incident. The CDU swiftly distanced itself from his actions, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the party’s values.

Germany Dismantles Neo-Nazi Group Plotting Violent Coup and Ethnic Cleansing

German authorities have arrested eight suspected members of a neo-Nazi militant group, the “Saxony Separatists”, who were allegedly planning to overthrow the government and implement a system inspired by Nazism in eastern Germany. The group, driven by racist, anti-Semitic, and apocalyptic ideologies, had reportedly been preparing for a “Day X,” which they believed would mark the collapse of modern Germany. They had trained in urban warfare, procured military gear, and envisioned “ethnic cleansing” to remove unwanted groups from their proposed territory, according to federal prosecutors. A 450-strong police operation led to the arrests, including the capture of the group’s suspected 23-year-old ringleader, Joerg S., in the Polish border town of Zgorzelec (7).

Among those arrested were several individuals linked to the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, including Kurt Haettasch, an AfD politician from Saxony who confronted police with a firearm during the raid, leading to his injury. The AfD denied any affiliation with the Saxony Separatists but confirmed that Haettasch held a leadership position in the party’s youth wing, classified as an extremist entity by German intelligence. The Saxony Separatists had reportedly conducted paramilitary exercises and distributed Nazi propaganda while aiming to destabilize the government. Authorities lauded the operation as a critical step in thwarting domestic terrorism, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighting the need to combat right-wing extremism and prevent future threats to Germany’s democracy.

 

AUSTRALIA

Australian Neo-Nazi Granted Bail After Appeal Against Jail Sentence for Nazi Salute

Jacob Hersant, a 25-year-old far-right extremist and member of the National Socialist Network, has been released on bail after becoming the first person in Victoria convicted under laws banning the Nazi salute. Hersant was sentenced to one month in jail on Friday for performing the salute outside Melbourne’s Victorian County Court last year, days after the state outlawed the gesture. Despite pleading not guilty, the court determined that Hersant had shown no remorse and used media coverage of his act to promote white supremacy. Magistrate Brett Sonnet denounced Hersant’s actions, calling them racist and offensive to First Nations Australians, Jewish people, and other minorities (8).

Shortly after the sentencing, Hersant’s defense lawyer, Timothy Smartt, successfully secured bail pending an appeal, arguing that a jail sentence for the non-violent act was disproportionate. Prosecutor Daniel Gurvich KC maintained that Hersant’s behavior aimed to vilify minority groups and provoke maximum impact, warranting the prison term. Hersant left court accompanied by fellow neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell, telling reporters he would continue performing the salute despite the legal consequences. His appeal is set to be heard in the county court, with conditions including remaining in Australia and avoiding contact with prosecution witnesses.

 

BRAZIL

Brazil Investigates Failed Attack on Supreme Court as “Terrorist Act”

Brazilian authorities are investigating a failed bombing outside the Supreme Court in Brasília as an “act of terrorism” with potential links to the January 8, 2023, pro-Bolsonaro riots. The attacker, identified as Francisco Wanderley Luiz, 59, a former city council candidate for Jair Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party, detonated a bomb near the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in the Plaza of the Three Powers, an area housing the nation’s top government institutions. Luiz was killed in the explosion, which caused no other casualties. Federal police have suggested that the act involved long-term planning and connections to prior extremist incidents targeting Brazil’s democratic institutions (9).

Footage shows Luiz throwing explosives toward the STF before self-detonating. Investigators discovered additional homemade explosives in his rented trailer and residence, along with writings referencing the January 8 riots. Security has since been tightened in Brasília, and STF President Luis Roberto Barroso condemned the attack as a sign of rising aggression and hate. While President Lula da Silva has yet to comment publicly, former President Bolsonaro issued an uncharacteristically conciliatory call for “dialogue and peace.” Federal judge Alexandre de Moraes, already overseeing investigations into the January riots, has taken charge of the case, calling it the “worst attack” against the STF since that event.

 

CANADA

Ottawa Man on Trial for Alleged Neo-Nazi Terror Propaganda

Patrick Gordon Macdonald, a 26-year-old Ottawa resident, is currently on trial facing terrorism-related charges for allegedly producing and distributing propaganda for the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division. Operating under the alias “Dark Foreigner,” Macdonald is accused of creating hate-filled videos and images aimed at promoting hatred against Jews and other minorities, as well as recruiting individuals to disseminate such content (10).

The trial, which began recently, has seen federal Crown prosecutors present videos purportedly crafted by Macdonald, showcasing individuals in skull masks and combat gear wielding firearms, accompanied by messages inciting violence against various communities. This case marks a significant moment in Canada, as Macdonald is among the first to be charged with both terrorism and hate propaganda offenses simultaneously.

 

ARGENTINA

Argentine Police Seize Large Cache of Weapons and Nazi Symbols

The Argentine Federal Police recently confiscated a significant arsenal of weapons and a collection of Nazi paraphernalia during a raid in Buenos Aires. The operation, conducted by the National Directorate of Counterterrorism, uncovered firearms, knives, explosives, and various items adorned with Nazi symbolism, including flags, medals, and books. Authorities believe the materials were part of an illicit network promoting far-right extremist ideologies. Several individuals were arrested, and investigators are working to determine the group’s plans and whether they posed an immediate threat to public safety.

Argentina’s Ministry of Security emphasized the gravity of the findings, pointing out the troubling presence of Nazi symbols in a country with a significant Jewish community and a history of offering refuge to Nazi fugitives after World War II. Officials reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on hate-driven extremism and committed to dismantling any networks that propagate violence or discriminatory ideologies. The raid underscores Argentina’s broader efforts to counteract the rise of extremist groups and enforce strict laws against hate speech and incitement. Further investigations are ongoing to establish the scope and potential affiliations of the suspects (11).

 

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in November 2024

In November 2024, far-right violence and terrorism continued to escalate, with 11 reported incidents globally. While the majority occurred in the United States, less common geographical hotspots, including Brazil, Norway, and Argentina, signal the alarming diffusion of far-right extremism beyond its traditional strongholds.

The case of Norway brought international attention as convicted mass killer Anders Behring Breivik, responsible for the 2011 Utøya massacre, apologized during a parole hearing. This high-profile event reignited national debates on extremism and its long-lasting societal scars. Public backlash against the parole bid reflected the country’s resilience but also highlighted the ongoing challenge of addressing the ideological underpinnings of such violence.

The growing presence of far-right terrorism in less-affected regions like Brazil and Argentina demonstrates how these ideologies are finding traction globally. This shift necessitates a broader and more coordinated international response to combat radicalization and mitigate the risks posed by the far-right threat.

In November 2024, far-right extremism exhibited a marked shift toward increased violence, with two acts of violence reported, alongside three significant threats. This escalation contrasts sharply with October, which saw no violent incidents but was instead dominated by trials and arrests, reflecting the volatile and evolving nature of far-right activities.

A particularly alarming development involved the “Saxony Separatists” (or “Sächsische Separatisten”) in eastern Germany. This group allegedly planned to overthrow the government and establish a regime inspired by Nazi ideology. The discovery of this plot underscores the dangerous ambitions of far-right extremists to destabilize democratic institutions and impose radical authoritarian systems.

This month’s combination of violent acts and organized threats highlights the growing sophistication and brazenness of far-right groups. These developments reinforce the need for proactive, cross-border collaboration to monitor and disrupt extremist networks while addressing the ideological drivers fueling their growth.

Throughout November, far-right extremism continues to evolve, with a notable shift toward less common ideologies fueling violence and terrorism. While white supremacist and Neo-Nazi ideologies remain significant drivers of extremism, the emergence of accelerationist, apocalyptic, and anti-democratic ideologies marks a concerning diversification in the ideological landscape.

Accelerationism is a strategy embraced by certain far-right extremists who aim to hasten societal collapse by exacerbating existing tensions, divisions, and systemic vulnerabilities. Adherents believe that by instigating widespread chaos, they can accelerate the breakdown of political systems and pave the way for a new authoritarian order aligned with their beliefs.

On the other side, Apocalyptic ideologies, frame far-right violence as a precursor to an inevitable societal or civilizational collapse. They often draw on religious or pseudo-religious narratives, portraying their actions as part of a divine or predestined mission to cleanse or rebuild society. This belief system encourages a sense of urgency and justification for acts of violence, framing them as necessary to prepare for or survive an impending catastrophe.

The increasing visibility of these ideologies highlights the adaptability of far-right movements in exploiting diverse narratives to recruit followers and justify extremist actions. Their spread underscores the need for nuanced, interdisciplinary approaches to counteract the evolving ideological drivers behind far-right extremism, emphasizing prevention, deradicalization, and robust international cooperation.

 

REFERENCES

CBC News. Nease, Kristy. “Ottawa Neo-Nazi Propagandist Charged.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-neo-nazi-propagandist-1.7386418

El Mundo. “Arrestan a supremacista que pretendía volar una central eléctrica con un dron repleto de explosivos gracias al FBI.” https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2024/02/15/65ce5eaee9cf4ad9488b4576.html

Gobierno de Argentina. La Policía Federal Argentina. “La Policía Federal Argentina Incautó Gran Cantidad de Armas y Objetos de Simbología Nazi.” https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/la-policia-federal-argentina-incauto-gran-cantidad-de-armas-y-objetos-de-simbologia-nazi

Infobae. Flores, Luis A. “Arrestan a supremacista que pretendía volar una central eléctrica con un dron repleto de explosivos gracias al FBI.” https://www.infobae.com/estados-unidos/2024/11/05/arrestan-a-supremacista-que-pretendia-volar-una-central-electrica-con-un-dron-repleto-de-explosivos-gracias-al-fbi/

KOLO-TV. The Associated Press. “White Supremacist Prison Gang Leader Accused of Attacking Two Sacramento Prison Officers.” https://www.kolotv.com/2024/11/28/white-supremacist-prison-gang-leader-accused-attacking-two-sacramento-prison-officers/

NBC News. Smith, Patrick. “Ohio March with Nazi Flags and Racist Slogans in Columbus.” https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohio-march-nazi-flags-racist-slogans-columbus-rcna180577

Reuters. Grohmann, Karolos. “German Politician Resigns After Sex Doll Post with Nazi Logo.” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-politician-resigns-after-sex-doll-post-with-nazi-logo-2024-11-09/

Reuters. More, Rachel. “Germany Arrests Eight Suspected Members of Right-Wing Group Plotting Revolt.” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-arrests-eight-suspected-members-right-wing-group-plotting-revolt-2024-11-05/

Swissinfo. “Breivik vuelve a condenar atentados pero fiscalía noruega lo considera todavía peligroso.” https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/breivik-vuelve-a-condenar-atentados-pero-fiscal%C3%ADa-noruega-lo-considera-todav%C3%ADa-peligroso/88231809

Swissinfo. “Brasil investiga ataque fallido contra la Corte Suprema como un ‘acto terrorista’.” https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/brasil-investiga-ataque-fallido-contra-la-corte-suprema-como-un-%22acto-terrorista%22/88149118

The Guardian. Ore, Adeshola. “Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant Freed on Bail as He Appeals One-Month Jail Sentence for Hitler Salute in Melbourne.” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/08/nazi-salute-jail-jacob-hersant-far-right-victoria-melbourne-ntwnfb

The Guardian. Wilson, Jason. “Far-Right Militia Targets US Military over Baseless Hurricane ‘Weather Weapon’ Claims.” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/19/far-right-militia-targets-military-weather-manipulation