Islamist Extremism |
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An energy facility in Orlando, Fla., damaged by a Jordanian citizen who was arrested for attacking area businesses he deemed pro-Israel - U.S. Department of Justice
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Jordanian Arrested for Attack on Florida Energy Facility
Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, a Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando, Fla., was arrested and charged with threatening to use explosives and attacking an energy facility. He allegedly targeted businesses in the Orlando area, accusing them of supporting Israel, and caused $700,000 in damage to a solar power facility. Hnaihen faces up to 20 years in prison for the energy facility attack and 10 years per threat-related offense. Read More YouTuber Exposes How Arabs Illegally Cross U.S. Border and Apply for Asylum
Arab-American YouTuber Jad Manon reported on Arab immigration into the U.S. from Mexico in an August 1, 2024 video. He explained that Arabs who are caught crossing into the U.S. illegally can ask for asylum status, while Mexicans are sent back to prison in Mexico. Since October 2023, border agents caught 93 suspected terrorists attempting to cross the southern border, including a Lebanese Hizbullah member who planned to " make a bomb." Read More |
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Militant-Right & Militant-Left Extremism |
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Alissa Azar, right, at a demonstration outside Portland State University on May 2, 2024 - Jan Sonnenmair via The Oregonian screenshot |
Antifa Member Guilty on Charges Related to 2021 Riot
Alissa Azar, 33, of Portland, was found guilty of riot and second-degree disorderly conduct for her involvement in a 2021 clash between Antifa and Proud Boys in Clackamette Park, Ore. The June 2021 event escalated when Antifa members burned an American flag, leading to a violent confrontation. Both sides were armed with shields, pepper spray, and other weapons, and a riot was declared by police. Azar was identified in video evidence spraying bear mace at a Proud Boy member. Other charges related to the unlawful use of tear gas or mace resulted in a hung jury, and she also faces separate charges for criminal trespass. Read More Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Public Officials
Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Ariz., pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials. The threats were posted on social media platforms, directed at various government employees. Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Read More Militia Member Sentenced on Gun Charges
Joshua Colston, a member of the National Constitutional Militia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for illegal gun possession. Colston, a convicted felon, was involved in discussions to kidnap or attack federal officials in 2022 but lacked the resources to execute the plan. When arrested, Colston was found in possession of firearms, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest, despite his prior felony convictions. Read More Neo-Nazis March in Ohio Festival
Around a dozen neo-Nazi individuals, carrying rifles and swastika flags, marched during the Springfield Jazz & Blues Fest in Ohio on August 10, 2024. The mayor of Springfield stated that the group was attempting to disrupt the community but noted that the police were in control throughout the incident, with no violence reported. Read More Protestors Arrested at DNC
Two individuals were arrested in Chicago during protests ahead of the Democratic National Convention, facing charges of criminal defacement, damage, and resisting arrest. The protests, led by a coalition of activist groups, are centered on issues like abortion access, LGBT rights, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, with large demonstrations expected throughout the convention. Read More |
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Hate Crime |
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Police and security stand outside the Center for Jewish Living at Cornell University on November 3, 2023 in Ithaca, N.Y., after a student made violent antisemitic threats - Matt Burkhartt/Getty Images
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Former Cornell Student Sentenced
Patrick Dai, 22, formerly a Cornell University student, was sentenced for making online threats targeting Jewish students on campus. The threats included violent and antisemitic statements posted on a message board, causing fear and alarm among students. Dai was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Read More NYC Man Charged in Hate Crime Stabbing
Vincent Sumpter, 22, of Brooklyn, was charged with a hate crime after stabbing a Jewish man in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, following a verbal dispute where Sumpter yelled “Free Palestine.” The attack occurred near a synagogue around 2 a.m. Saturday. The victim, who is expected to recover, asked why Sumpter kept repeating the phrase, leading to the stabbing. Sumpter pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault as a hate crime and other charges. He remains in custody. Read More Five Delaware Teens Charged With Hate Crime Vandalism
Five teens were charged with a hate crime in Rehoboth Beach, De., after allegedly committing acts of vandalism involving antisemitic and racist graffiti. The group targeted homes and vehicles in the community, leading to charges of second-degree conspiracy, third-degree criminal mischief, and hate crimes. Read More |
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Hostile Foreign Influence Operations |
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Flag of Iran displayed outside the Iranian Embassy in Paris, July 16, 2024 - Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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OpenAI Busts Iran-Linked Disinformation Campaign
- OpenAI uncovered an Iran-linked disinformation campaign, adding to similar operations identified by Microsoft and Google.
- OpenAI linked the activity to a group known as Storm-2035, which is known for creating fake news websites and sharing them on social media to influence elections.
- The campaign used AI tools to create misleading content and false narratives to manipulate public opinion, primarily targeting Western audiences. Read More
California Man Indicted for Exporting Aircraft Components to Iran
Jeffrey Chance Nader, a U.S.-Iranian national, was indicted for attempting to illegally export nearly three dozen U.S.-manufactured aircraft components to Iran, including parts used on military aircraft like the F-4 fighter jet. Nader conspired with Iran-based associates, misrepresenting himself to U.S. suppliers and attempting to ship the components through the UAE to Iran. Read More |
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QUOTABLE “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power."
- Abraham Lincoln
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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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