Islamist Extremism |
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Sheikh Ahmad Bahraini (2nd R) registers to vote in the Iranian presidential elections at a polling station set up at the Islamic Education Center (IEC) in Potomac, Md., June 12, 2009 - SASAN AFSOOSI/AFP via Getty Images |
Maryland Mosque Hosts Memorial for Iran’s Former President Raisi
The Islamic Education Center (IEC) in Potomac, Md., hosted a memorial for Iran's former President Ebrahim Raisi, which sparked criticism and renewed scrutiny of the mosque's ties to Tehran. The IEC has faced accusations of being a haven for supporters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and has historical connections with the controversial Alavi Foundation. IEC management asserts the center is solely a place of worship, distancing itself from political affiliations despite allegations. Read More |
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Militant-Right & Militant-Left Extremism |
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Bob Campbell shows bruises on his arms after he and two others were attacked and beaten during a Palestinian Resistance event held at the West Asheville (N.C.) Library on June 30, 2024 - WLOS Staff via ABC 15 News screenshot |
Violence at Antifa Bookfair
Three individuals reported an antisemitic attack at an Anarchist Bookfair event at West Asheville Library in North Carolina. The incident occurred during a panel discussion on Palestinian resistance when the attack targeted a Jewish livestream. The victims, who were livestreaming the event, claim they were verbally assaulted and physically intimidated by attendees. Read More Alaskan Man Sentenced for Threat to Senator
Arther Graham, 46, from Kenai, Ak., pleaded guilty to making interstate threats to kidnap and injure a U.S. senator. On September 28, 2023, Graham sent a web form submission threatening the senator, which was reported by congressional staff to the U.S. Capitol Police. The threats included graphic descriptions of violence, such as "hunt you down" and "cut the flesh off your body." Graham was identified, confirmed as the sender, and arrested at his home on October 30, 2023, by U.S. Capitol Police and FBI agents. Graham faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 1. Read More Judge Sentences San Diego Antifa
- Multiple left-wing protesters received sentences of up to two years in jail for their involvement in violent clashes with right-wing protesters in San Diego's Pacific Beach in 2021. Jeremy White and Brian Lightfoot received the maximum sentences.
- Judge Daniel Goldstein stated the trial confirmed to him that Antifa operates as an organized group.
- The clashes occurred during a "patriots march" rally organized by Trump supporters three days after the January 6th Capitol riot.
- The defendants argued they acted in self-defense and were protecting First Amendment rights. Read More
Marine Veteran Pleads Guilty to Neo-Nazi Plot
- Marine veteran Jordan Duncan, 29, of Boise, Idaho, part of a neo-Nazi group, pleaded guilty to a federal weapons charge.
- The group planned attacks on the U.S. power grid and targeted Black Lives Matter protestors.
- Duncan faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 24. Read More
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Hate Crime |
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Swastika graffiti - screenshot of WJZ News video |
Hate Graffiti Found in Baltimore
Swastikas and vulgar graffiti were discovered in Northwest Baltimore, prompting a hate crime investigation.
The graffiti was found on a synagogue and several nearby businesses.
Baltimore police are actively investigating the incident as a hate crime and seeking any information from the public. Read More |
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Mass Shooting Threats |
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Brian Adams, 24 - via Mountain Citizen screenshot
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Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Threats to a Classroom
Brian Adams, 24, from Paintsville, Ky., pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, plus one year of supervised release, for a federal hate crime. On October 14, 2020, Adams used racial slurs and threatened to hang children and teachers during a virtual class at Laureate Academy Charter School. Read More |
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Hostile Foreign Influence Operations |
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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gestures as he arrives at Canberra Airport on June 26, 2024, in Canberra, Australia as a free man, after serving time for a felony charge under the Espionage Act - Roni Bintang/Getty Images |
WikiLeaks Founder Pleads Guilty
- Julian Assange, 52, founder of WikiLeaks, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Chelsea Manning to unlawfully obtain and disclose classified U.S. defense documents.
- Assange solicited and published bulk classified documents, including military and diplomatic information, putting many at risk.
- Assange was detained in the UK for 62 months before being extradited to the U.S., where he received a time-served sentence and will return to Australia. Read More
Russian National Charged With Cyber-Attack
Amin Timovich Stigal, a Russian national, has been charged with conspiring with Russian military intelligence (GRU) to destroy Ukrainian government computer systems and data. Stigal allegedly used malware known as "WhisperGate" to target Ukrainian government networks in January 2022, leading to significant data destruction.
If convicted, Stigal faces up to five years in prison. Read More Lawmakers Probe Northwestern University’s Ties to Qatar
Lawmakers are probing Northwestern University's connections with Al Jazeera, alleging ties to Hamas. Northwestern has a partnership with Al Jazeera through its Qatar campus, allowing students to engage with media professionals. Northwestern President Michael Schill promised to review the partnership, expressing concern over the allegations. Read More |
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QUOTABLE “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
- Edmunde Burke
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NOTE TO OUR READERS: We have pulled out the salient points of the articles in this newsletter to keep you informed and focused on the most relevant, important and timely news in national security and extremism. While our national security experts stand behind the summary bullets and deem them trustworthy, Clarion Project does not endorse all the views expressed in the articles linked. |
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