Far-right violence and terrorism – July 2024

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Introduction

In July 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 July 2024, offering insights into its evolution, and current manifestations. By dissecting the trends, causative factors, and ramifications of this phenomenon, our objective is to foster awareness and inform policymaking while fostering international collaboration to counter this growing menace.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

University of Warwick Condemns ‘Troubling’ Video of Students Dancing to Nazi-Linked Song

The University of Warwick has expressed concern over a video showing students dancing to “Erika,” a song by Nazi party member Herms Niel, at a Conservative Association dinner. The footage, published by The Sunday Times, depicts attendees at a black-tie event in Leamington Spa dancing to the song, which was popular in Nazi Germany and is used by modern white supremacist groups. Despite its non-political lyrics, the song’s association with Nazi rallies and Niel’s membership in the Nazi party have sparked outrage.

The Union of Jewish Students condemned the video as “utterly abhorrent,” highlighting it as blatant support for Nazism and calling for immediate action from the university and the Conservative party (1). The University of Warwick Conservative Association apologized for the incident, stating that the song was played briefly at a member’s request and was not part of the planned music. They promised to exclude the requester and others who knowingly engaged with the song from future events. The university is currently reviewing the incident and has reached out to the Jewish Society for assistance.

 

FRANCE

French Far-Right Candidate Withdraws from Race After Nazi Costume Controversy

A National Rally candidate, Ludivine Daoudi, has withdrawn from the second round of the legislative election in France after a photo surfaced showing her wearing Nazi regalia. The photo, which showed Daoudi in a Luftwaffe noncommissioned officer’s cap with a swastika, was circulated online by her opponent, Emma Fourreau, a candidate for the left-wing New Popular Front (2).

Daoudi, who received nearly 20 percent of the vote in the first round, did not deny the authenticity of the photo and acknowledged it was taken several years ago at a gun fair. A National Rally official confirmed the photo was in bad taste, leading to her withdrawal from the race. This leaves voters in the 1st constituency of Calvados with two remaining candidates: Fourreau and Joël Bruneau of the right-wing Les Républicains.

 

ITALY

Italian Journalist Attacked by Far-Right Militants in Turin

A journalist from the Italian newspaper “La Stampa” was assaulted by far-right militants while attempting to document a gathering outside a venue frequented by right-wing sympathizers in Turin, the newspaper reported. The incident occurred last night when members of the neo-fascist group Casa Pound, celebrating a party outside the venue, approached the journalist, Andrea Joly, who was recording with his mobile phone, and asked, “Are you one of us?” (3).

The attackers demanded Joly hand over his phone, threatened him, and assaulted him, continuing to kick him even after he fell to the ground, resulting in his needing medical treatment at a hospital. The Division of General Investigations and Special Operations (Digos) is investigating the incident, analyzing footage to identify the perpetrators.

Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo expressed solidarity with Joly, emphasizing that “freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and any attack on those who exercise the right to inform is an attack on democratic values themselves.” He condemned the violent act, calling for swift identification and accountability of those responsible and urging all political forces to denounce such violence unequivocally.

 

GERMANY

Far-Right Politician Convicted by German Court Again for Using Nazi Slogan

A prominent politician in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Björn Höcke, was convicted for the second time  for knowingly using a Nazi slogan at a political event. Höcke, who plans to run for governor in the eastern state of Thuringia in September, was fined 16,900 euros for using the banned Nazi slogan “Everything for Germany” (4)

The Halle Regional Court found the 52-year-old guilty of using signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. Although he can appeal the ruling, the conviction does not prevent him from running in the upcoming election.  The charge of using symbols of an unconstitutional organization can carry a fine or up to three years in prison.

German Prosecutors Accuse Co-Defendants of Aiding Neo-Nazi Murder Plot

German federal prosecutors have alleged that two men helped Beate Zschaepe, the primary surviving suspect in a high-profile neo-Nazi trial, by procuring the firearm used in a series of racial killings. Zschaepe, associated with the National Socialist Underground (NSU) group, faces charges related to the murders of eight Turks, a Greek national, and a German policewoman between 2000 and 2007. She denies involvement in the killings (5).

The prosecutor claims that Wohlleben, a former official of the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD), and Carsten S. were instrumental in obtaining the weapon used in the murders. Wohlleben denies these accusations, while Carsten S., has confessed to his role. Weingarten maintains that Zschaepe, although not directly involved in the shootings, was complicit as a co-founder and member of the NSU. Now in its final stages, the trial is expected to conclude with a verdict in the autumn. If convicted, the defendants could face life imprisonment.

Germany Plans to Strengthen Constitutional Court’s Independence to Prevent Future Extremist Influence

Germany’s ruling coalition and the main opposition party, the conservative CDU, have outlined a plan to bolster the independence of the Federal Constitutional Court. This initiative aims to safeguard the court from potential future influence by extremist groups. The proposed legislation, expected to pass during the current legislative period ending in 2025, seeks to enshrine the court in the constitution, set an age limit of 68 for judges, and cap their terms at twelve years.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann highlighted the necessity of these changes, citing concerns over the erosion of the rule of law in countries like Poland and Hungary and the growing strength of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The plan comes as the AfD gains traction, posing a challenge to the ruling coalition and Chancellor Olaf Scholz amid their declining popularity (6). The Federal Constitutional Court, plays a crucial role in German governance, including decisions on eurozone rescue plans and environmental policies.

Germany Bans Far-Right Magazine ‘Compact’ for Inciting Hate

The German government has banned the far-right magazine ‘Compact’ for inciting hatred against Jews, migrants, and democracy, as announced by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. Founded in 2010 with a monthly circulation of 40,000 copies, ‘Compact’ has been known for promoting anti-Semitic, racist, and conspiratorial content. The publication is particularly popular in the eastern states of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, as well as Hesse. The ban includes the magazine’s audiovisual subsidiary, Conspect Film, and all related activities, with violations considered a criminal offense (7).

Authorities conducted early morning raids on properties linked to the magazine and its executives, including editor Jürgen Elsässer. ‘Compact’ has sold various merchandise, including medals bearing the likenesses of former U.S. President Donald Trump and AfD leader Björn Höcke, who has faced fines for using Nazi slogans. The Interior Ministry stated that ‘Compact’ promotes a nationalist-ethnic social concept that seeks to exclude non-ethnic Germans and degrades certain ethnic groups, particularly Arabs, by attributing negative characteristics to them. This move by the German government comes amid a rise in far-right activity, with the AfD gaining significant electoral support and being monitored by intelligence services for extremism.

 

UNITED STATES

Three Men Sentenced for Racially-Motivated Plot to Destroy Energy Facility

Paul James Kryscuk, 38, of Idaho, Liam Collins, 25, of Rhode Island, and Justin Wade Hermanson, 25, of North Carolina, were sentenced today for their roles in a racially-motivated conspiracy to attack the U.S. power grid. Kryscuk received six and a half years for conspiracy to destroy an energy facility, Collins got ten years for aiding and abetting the interstate transportation of unregistered firearms, and Hermanson was sentenced to one year and nine months for conspiracy to manufacture and ship firearms interstate. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that their actions, as part of a self-described “modern day SS,” reflect the Justice Department’s commitment to combating violent white supremacist ideologies (8).

The group, connected through the neo-Nazi “Iron March” forum, conspired to attack power facilities to advance their white supremacist views. Between 2017 and 2020, they acquired military gear and firearms, conducted training, and created propaganda videos. A handwritten list of targeted power grid components in the northwest U.S. was found in Kryscuk’s possession. The investigation, led by multiple federal agencies, underscores the ongoing efforts to thwart extremist threats to national security.

Idaho Supreme Court Reverses Unemployment Benefits Denial for Fired Employee

The Idaho Supreme Court has overturned a state agency’s decision denying unemployment benefits to Thomas Hennig, a former supervisor at Money Metals Exchange who was fired for referring to himself as a “good little Nazi” in a work chat (9). The court found that the Idaho Industrial Commission did not adequately consider whether the company’s selective enforcement of its communication policies impacted Hennig’s termination and subsequent benefits eligibility.

Hennig, who worked as a weekend shift supervisor, was dismissed on August 2022, after using the controversial term in a message about enforcing time clock rules. He argued that his comment was intended as a joke and that the company selectively enforced its policies, citing another employee’s use of a racial slur who was not similarly punished. The court’s reversal directs the commission to reconsider the case, including whether Hennig’s termination was handled fairly compared to other incidents within the company.

US White Supremacists Ordered to Pay Millions More for Deadly 2017 Rally

A federal appeals court has reinstated over $2 million in punitive damages against white nationalist leaders and organizations involved in the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, raising the total amount they owe to more than $26 million (10). The court found that the $350,000 cap on punitive damages should apply per plaintiff rather than being shared among all eight plaintiffs, reversing a lower court’s decision. This stems from a lawsuit against 24 individuals and organizations for orchestrating violence at the rally, which resulted in one death and numerous injuries.

The rally, which protested the removal of a Confederate statue, turned violent when James Alex Fields Jr. drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, leading to his life sentence for murder and hate crimes. The Fourth Circuit’s ruling underscores a firm stance against racist and antisemitic hate, as the court emphasized the need to uphold the jury’s original intent to deliver a strong message against such misconduct. Attorneys for the plaintiffs hailed the decision, while defense lawyers did not immediately comment.

White Supremacist Group Patriot Front Marches Near Tennessee State Capitol

Dozens of protesters believed to be affiliated with the white supremacist group Patriot Front marched near the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, chanting phrases like “Sieg Heil” and “Deportation saves the nation” (11). Wearing white cloths and sunglasses, the protesters displayed Confederate and historic U.S. flags, with some American flags turned upside down. This demonstration drew criticism from local officials and underscored ongoing racial tensions.

Patriot Front, a white nationalist group, formed after the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. It splintered from Vanguard America and promotes a manifesto that asserts America’s identity as a “Pan-European nation,” rejecting non-European ancestry. The group’s activities have been condemned as white supremacist, despite their claims of being white separatists. This recent march in Nashville reflects a broader pattern of similar protests nationwide.

Death Penalty Overturned for White Supremacist Who Killed OC Gang Leader

The California Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Michael Allan Lamb, a white supremacist gang member, who executed a former associate, Scott “Scottish” Miller, for violating gang rules by speaking on television. The justices unanimously nullified the gang enhancement that made Lamb eligible for the death penalty, citing a 2021 state law that makes it harder to prove gang enhancements. However, Lamb’s murder conviction remains intact (12).

The case has been sent back to the Orange County Superior Court, where the District Attorney’s Office will decide whether to retry the gang enhancements and seek the death penalty again. Lamb, currently held at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, was convicted in 2008 for ambushing Miller in an Anaheim alley in 2002. The prosecution argued the murder would benefit the ultra-violent gang Public Enemy Number One and boost Lamb’s standing within the group. However, the new law requires that gang benefits be more than just “reputation,” which was not demonstrated during the trial. This decision comes as former prosecutor Ebrahim Baytieh, who handled Lamb’s case, faces scrutiny for not disclosing evidence in another murder case.

Man Plotted Electrical Substation Attack to Advance White Supremacist Views, Prosecutors Say

An 18-year-old New Jersey man, Andrew Takhistov, has been arrested for allegedly plotting to attack a U.S. electrical substation to promote his white supremacist views.  Authorities detained Takhistov at Newark Liberty International Airport as he was headed to Ukraine via Paris to join the Russian Volunteer Corps, a pro-Ukrainian group fighting against Russian forces.

Beginning in January, Takhistov unknowingly discussed his plans with an undercover agent, detailing strategies for constructing Molotov cocktails and evading detection during attacks on electrical substations in North Brunswick and New Brunswick, New Jersey. He also proposed various terrorist attack strategies, including assaults on synagogues using rockets and explosives. Takhistov expressed intentions to bring back illegal supplies from Ukraine to execute attacks that would undermine the U.S. government, furthering his white supremacist agenda (13). The new threats are emerging through technological changes and Russian-linked actors developing and spreading false narratives on racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism (REMVE) in Ukraine, the Justice Department said in a news release.

White Supremacists March in Howell, Michigan, Met with Strong Community Rejection

About a dozen masked white supremacists marched through downtown Howell, Michigan, chanting “Heil Hitler” and carrying signs like “White Lives Matter.” The demonstration began at the historic Livingston County Courthouse and continued to the Howell Carnegie District Library, where they were confronted by community members and told to leave. Residents, including Stacey Farrell, and local leaders quickly denounced the march, emphasizing that Howell is an inclusive community. The City of Howell, the Livingston Diversity Council, and the Howell Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement condemning the racist ideology of the demonstrators, asserting that these individuals do not represent Howell’s values.

Howell has a history of extremist activity, dating back to the 1970s and 80s when it was known as a Ku Klux Klan hotspot. Despite ongoing efforts by community leaders to combat this image, incidents of hate persist. Julie Ohashi of Stand Against Extremism LivCo warned against dismissing the issue as merely an “outsider” problem, stressing the need for continuous efforts to address local racism. The demonstrators also displayed Nazi and KKK flags on a nearby overpass, echoing similar protests in other parts of the country. Nicole Matthews-Creech of the Livingston Diversity Council highlighted the community’s strong response and the importance of ongoing vigilance to prevent future incidents (14).

Neo-Nazi Planned Poisoned Candy Attack on Jewish Children in Brooklyn

Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national and leader of the white supremacist Maniac Murder Cult, has been indicted for planning mass casualty attacks targeting Jews and racial minorities in New York City. Chkhikvishvili, who refers to himself as “Commander Butcher,” allegedly planned to distribute poison-laced candy to children at Jewish schools in Brooklyn while disguised as Santa Claus. He also encouraged others to commit similar violent acts (15).

Chkhikvishvili, 20, was arrested on July 6 in Moldova and charged with soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence. Federal prosecutors say he has been distributing a manifesto since September 2021, promoting ethnic cleansing and encouraging violent attacks, including school shootings and bombings. He allegedly communicated with an undercover FBI agent, providing detailed instructions for making deadly poisons and explosives. His goal, according to prosecutors, was to spread fear and hatred by inciting violence against racial minorities and the Jewish community.

Neo-Nazi Protestor from Canada Arrested for Felony Aggravated Assault

On July 14, 2024, Ryan Scott McCann, a 29-year-old Neo-Nazi protestor from Ontario, Canada, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault and disorderly conduct in downtown Nashville. McCann, who carried a Nazi flag, struck Deago Buck, a bartender, with the flagpole during a physical altercation. McCann is held on an $81,000 bond, pending a source hearing (16).

The incident occurred on Broadway at 3rd Avenue, where McCann and other Neo-Nazi protestors were spreading white supremacist rhetoric. Buck, involved in a scuffle with the group, was also arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting police, with a bond set at $2,000. Police Chief John Drake condemned the group’s hate speech and praised the MNPD officers for their diligence in monitoring the protest.

 

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in July 2024

In July 2024, the global landscape of far-right terrorism continued to be deeply concerning, with 16 attacks primarily concentrated in the USA and Europe. These incidents highlight the persistent and alarming influence of extremist ideologies. Germany, in particular, has become a focal point amid a rise in far-right activity. The increasing support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained significant electoral traction, underscores the broader trend of extremist ideologies gaining mainstream acceptance. This shift has prompted German intelligence services to closely monitor the party for links to extremism.

Many young people, disillusioned with mainstream politics and societal structures, are turning to far-right ideologies, seeing them as a means to express their frustrations and desire for change. Social media platforms and online communities play a crucial role in propagating these ideologies, making it easier for radical groups to recruit and radicalize youth. The situation in Germany exemplifies a broader European trend, where extremist ideologies are gaining ground and posing significant challenges to social cohesion and political stability. This rise in far-right activity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to counteract the spread of these dangerous ideologies and protect the integrity of democratic institutions.

During July 2024, while the number of trials related to extreme right-wing ideologies has decreased, the has been a spur of legal actions to counter terrorism efforts. A federal appeals court in the United States, has reinstated over $2 million in punitive damages against white nationalist leaders and organizations involved in the deadly 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, raising the total amount they owe to more than $26 million. This ruling represents a substantial legal victory against far-right extremism, highlighting the judicial system’s role in holding these groups accountable for their actions.

Despite the reduced number of trials, the continued legal actions signal a robust stance against far-right extremism. Germany’s ban on ‘Compact’ is a critical move in addressing the incitement of hate and preventing the dissemination of extremist content. While there has only been one act of violence and two threats of violence reported this month, these incidents still reflect the persistent danger posed by far-right groups.

The measures taken by the U.S. and Germany demonstrate a proactive approach in combating far-right extremism, emphasizing the importance of both legal repercussions and preventive actions in addressing this pervasive issue.

Throughout July 2024, the far-right extremist landscape continued to be dominated by Neo-Nazi, white supremacy, and racially motivated ideologies, which have been the driving forces behind numerous incidents. One additional and noteworthy development this month was the identification of ethnically-motivated violence. Ethnically-motivated violence refers to hostility or aggression directed at individuals or groups based on their ethnic background, often manifesting in discrimination, harassment, or physical attacks. This trend highlights the broadening scope of far-right extremism, which now includes an even wider array of targeted hate.

In addition to these familiar ideologies, July also saw the emergence of conspiratorial thinking within far-right movements. Conspiratorial ideologies involve beliefs in secret, malevolent forces working against a perceived common good, often used to justify extremist actions and recruit new adherents. This trend signifies how far-right extremism is not only diversifying in its targets and rhetoric but also in its foundational beliefs.

Despite a slight reduction in violent acts compared to the previous month, the persistent and evolving nature of far-right extremism continues to pose significant threats to societal harmony and safety. The ongoing influence of these dangerous ideologies, whether through direct violence or the spread of hateful rhetoric, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to counteract their spread and mitigate their impact.

 

REFERENCES:

ABC News. Katersky, A. (2024, July 16). Neo-Nazi planned poisoned candy attack on Jewish children in Brooklyn, federal prosecutors say. https://abcnews.go.com/US/neo-nazi-planned-poisoned-candy-attack-jewish-children/story?id=111994484

AP News. German court convicts a prominent far-right politician for using a Nazi slogan again. (2024, July 1). https://apnews.com/article/germany-far-right-politician-conviction-nazi-slogan-ccda2b9beef36efd124c2ae610681bf8

CNN. Dewberry, S. (2024, July 8). Patriot Front: What we know about the White nationalist group. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/08/us/patriot-front-white-nationalist-group/index.html

El Periódico. EFE. (2024, July 21). Un periodista de “La Stampa”, agredido por militantes de extrema derecha. https://www.elperiodico.com/es/internacional/20240721/periodista-stampa-agredido-militantes-extrema-derecha-105903679

Euronews. Paternoster, T. (2024, July 23). El Gobierno alemán refuerza el Tribunal Constitucional contra la extrema derecha. https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/07/23/el-gobierno-aleman-refuerza-el-tribunal-constitucional-contra-la-extrema-derecha

Excelsior California. Saavedra, T. (2024, July 15). Se anula la pena de muerte contra el supremacista blanco que mató al líder de una pandilla de OC. https://www.excelsiorcalifornia.com/2024/07/15/se-anula-la-pena-de-muerte-contra-el-supremacista-blanco-que-mato-al-lider-de-una-pandilla-de-oc/

Idaho Statesman. Gastaldo, E., & Clark, C. (2024, July 11). “Good little Nazi” comment gets employee fired. Now what?

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article289865574.html

La Vanguardia. Michael, R. (2024, July 16). El Gobierno alemán prohíbe la revista de extrema derecha ‘Compact’ por incitar al odio. https://www.lavanguardia.com/internacional/20240716/9807415/alemania-ultraderecha-revista-compact-prohibe-odio-incitar.html

Michigan Advance. King, J. (2024, July 22). ‘We love Hitler. We love Trump.’: White supremacists march through Howell. https://michiganadvance.com/2024/07/22/we-love-hitler-we-love-trump-white-supremacists-march-through-howell/

Nashville.gov. Aaron, D. (2024, July 14). Neo-Nazi Protestor from Canada Arrested for Felony Aggravated Assault. https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/news/neo-nazi-protestor-canada-arrested-felony-aggravated-assault

Politico. Associated Press. (2024, July 12). Man plotted electrical substation attack to advance white supremacist views, prosecutors say. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/12/man-plotted-electrical-substation-attack-to-advance-white-supremacist-views-prosecutors-say-00167766

POLITICO.eu. Starcevic, S. (2024, July 2). French far-right candidate withdraws from race after Nazi costume controversy. https://www.politico.eu/article/french-far-right-candidate-withdraws-from-race-after-nazi-costume-controversy/

Reuters. German prosecutors say co-defendants helped neo-Nazi trial suspect. (2024, July 31). https://www.reuters.com/article/world/german-prosecutors-say-co-defendants-helped-neo-nazi-trial-suspect-idUSL5N1KM40Q/

The Guardian. Associated Press. (2024, July 2). US white supremacists ordered to pay millions more for deadly 2017 rally. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/02/white-supremacists-unite-the-right-rally-lawsuit

The Guardian. Cooney, C. (2024, June 30). Tory student group condemned after video shows them ‘singing to Nazi song’. https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/jun/30/tory-student-group-condemned-over-video-shows-them-singing-to-nazi-song

US Department of Justice. Office of Public Affairs. (2024, July 25). Defendants with Ties to White Supremacy Sentenced in Connection with Plot to Destroy Energy Facilities. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/defendants-ties-white-supremacy-sentenced-connection-plot-destroy-energy-facilities