These Five States Are At Highest Risk Of Heightened Militia Activity Around The Election

Topline

With the presidential election less than two weeks away, a new study from a government-funded data collection group warns of five states that are at high risk of increased militia activity—ranging from demonstrations to violence.

Key Facts

Chief Critic 

“Does a Trump loss lead to anger at the system and a backlash against what is deemed as a stolen election? Does a Trump victory further empower groups that see him as a supporter? The answers to these questions are as numerous as they are uncomfortable.” 

Crucial Quote 

Chuck Tanner of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, who studies political extremism, confirmed his institution has the same fears. “We are definitely concerned about the response from far-right paramilitary groups whatever the outcome of the election,” Tanner told Forbes. 

Key Background 

While ACLED tracks dozens of militia groups spanning all political affiliations this report focuses mostly on right-wing militias “as this grouping has seen the most significant increase in their profile and activities in recent months.” Many of the groups named in the study—Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, Patriot Prayer, Boogaloo Bois—have popped up frequently over the past few months, clashing with Black Lives Matter protesters and Antifa across the country. The Proud Boys, a right-wing group frequently embroiled in violence whose motto is to “defend western chauvinism,” recently hosted a large rally in Portland, Oregon, ahead of which Gov. Kate Brown (D) declared a state of emergency. These clashes have ended in fatalities on both sides. 

What To Watch For

The report warns that the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo Bois both have a “very high” potential for violence in this period, while Three Percenters and Patriot Prayer are labeled “high.”

Tangent 

Often, when asked about right-wing groups like the Proud Boys, President Trump has turned attention to Antifa, a far-left movement against fascism that’s been heavily involved in months of protests and riots. However, this report explains that while Antifa “looms large in the public imagination, violent activities associated with this non-centralized movement have been minimal.” The report added: “Antifa-affiliated activists are also rarely armed and do not exhibit a pattern of recruitment, training, and integration into a chain-of-command, like most militia and armed groups.”

Further Reading

“Trump Won’t Recognize Threat Of White Supremacists—But His Administration Is Increasingly Concerned” (Forbes)

“Who Are The Proud Boys, The Group Behind The Controversial Portland Rally?” (Forbes)

“Standing By: Right-Wing Militia Groups & the U.S. Election” (ACLED)