Islamist Extremism
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 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
- Joshua R. Plotner and George G. Dugas of Spokane, Wash. were arrested in connection to Patriot Front graffiti on the Gonzaga University campus.
- Plotner previously paid the bail for seven Patriot Front members, arrested in Coeur d’Alene earlier this year. Read More
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
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
- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) published a report citing 359 anti-Israel and antisemitic incidents that occurred on American campuses in the 2021-2022 academic year.
- The report specified that the majority of the incidents, while clearly antisemitic in intent, were couched in the language of anti-Zionism and support for Palestinian rights. Read More
Hostile Foreign Influence Operations
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
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
