The
FBI for the first time has identified fringe conspiracy theories as a
domestic terrorist threat, according to a previously unpublicized
document obtained by Yahoo News.
The
FBI intelligence bulletin from the bureau’s Phoenix field office, dated
May 30, 2019, describes “conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists,”
as a growing threat, and notes that it is the first such report to do
so. It lists a number of arrests, including some that haven’t been
publicized, related to violent incidents motivated by fringe beliefs.
The
document specifically mentions QAnon, a shadowy network that believes
in a deep state conspiracy against President Trump, and Pizzagate, the
theory that a pedophile ring including Clinton associates was being run
out of the basement of a Washington, D.C., pizza restaurant (which
didn’t actually have a basement).
“The
FBI assesses these conspiracy theories very likely will emerge, spread,
and evolve in the modern information marketplace, occasionally driving
both groups and individual extremists to carry out criminal or violent
acts,” the document states. It also goes on to say the FBI believes
conspiracy theory-driven extremists are likely to increase during the
2020 presidential election cycle.
The FBI said another factor driving the intensity of this threat is “the uncovering of real conspiracies or cover-ups involving illegal, harmful, or unconstitutional activities by government officials or leading political figures.” The FBI does not specify which political leaders or which cover-ups it was referring to.
To read Winter's entire article, click HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment