Islamist Extremism |  | Statement by Omar Alkattoul captured in the criminal complaint - via abc7NY screenshot | New Jersey Man Charged With Threatening to Attack Synagogue - Eighteen-year-old Omar Alkattoul, of Sayreville, N.J., was charged with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce, punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
- Alkattoul allegedly threatened to commit antisemitic attacks against synagogues and Jews.
- In an online manifesto, Alkattoul calls for attacks on Jews and describes them as “the enemy of Allah.” Read More
Terrorism Charges Added Against Maine Teen A federal grand jury has added charges against Xavier Pelkey of Waterville, Maine, who was previously charged with possession of unregistered explosive devices. The court has now added conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists to the charges. - Pelkey conspired with others to travel to Chicago to attack a Jewish synagogue and Shia mosque.
A hand-painted ISIS flag was found in Pelkey’s home. Read Now | | | | | Alt-Right & Alt-Left Extremism |  | ANTIFA counter-protestors awaiting to confront demonstrators for a "Patriot March" in support of former President Donald Trump on January 9, 2021 in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego - PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images | Antifa Supporter Sentenced to 4 Years - Nikki Hubbard, 38, was sentenced to four years in prison for attacking demonstrators during a march held in Pacific Beach, Calif. in January 2021.
- Hubbard pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to riot, unlawful use of pepper spray and assault.
- Hubbard was one of 11 people indicted in connection to these attacks. Prosecutors describe the individuals as being associated with Antifa groups. Read More
Patriot Front Member Arrested for Vandalism Antifa Members Violently Disrupt Pro-Women Event in NYC - Multiple Antifa protesters were arrested while trying to shut down an event in New York City.
- Protesters showed up to the "Let Women Speak" event by Kellie-Jay Keen dressed in black bloc, pushing barricades that were set up around city hall.
- At least seven people were arrested. Read More
| | | | | Hate Crimes |  | Jordan Patrick Leahy - Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office via Law & Crime screenshot | Florida Man Sentenced for Racially Motivated Attack Jordan Patrick Leahy, 29, was sentenced in federal court to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his racially motivated attack against a Black man who was traveling down a public roadway in Seminole, Fla. Read More Over 350 Anti-Jewish Incidents on US Campuses in 2021-22 | | | | | Hostile Foreign Influence Operations |  | Diana and Jonathan Toebbe - West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority via CNN.com screenshot | Maryland Couple Sentenced for Espionage-Related Crimes - Jonathan Toebbe, 44, of Annapolis, Md., and his wife Diana, 46, were sentenced for conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data related to the design of nuclear-powered warships to an undisclosed foreign nation.
- Jonathan was sentenced to over 19 years and Diana was sentenced to more than 21 years of incarceration. Read More
Ohio State University Pays for Failing to Disclose Professor’s Foreign Affiliations - Ohio State University has paid $875,689 to resolve civil allegations that it failed to disclose an OSU professor’s affiliations with, and support from, a foreign government in connection with federal research funding. Read More
Russian Hackers Attack FBI Website - A pro-Russian hacking group, Killnet, claimed responsibility for what they said was an attack on a section of the FBI's website. Read More
| | | | | Research & Trends in Extremism |  | A computer game created by Hezbollah called "Sacred Defense - Protecting the Homeland And Holy Sites" - JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images | How Extremists Use Video Games to Recruit Vulnerable Youth - The Australian Federal Police (AFP) released a statement that they have seen evidence of extremist groups trying to recruit young people through online games.
- Extremist groups, including jihadists and neo-Nazis, have a history of using video games to spread messages of hate.
- AFP also details warning signs that might indicate someone is being drawn into extremist beliefs, including becoming distant from friends and family, and using violent, angry or abusive language toward minority groups. Read More
| | | QUOTABLE
"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
-George Washington, Farewell Address 1796
| | | 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. | | | | |
