According to a study, hundreds of American officials, police officers and soldiers were involved in the far-right militant group Oath Keeper, raising concerns about the spread of political extremism in the United States.
The researchers found that 370 law enforcement officers, more than 100 active-duty military personnel and more than 1,000 former officials were associated with the group. The Oath Keepers are accused of playing a key role in the 2021 U.S. Capitol Hill riots.
↑The "Guardians of the Oath" membership map produced by the American Anti-Stigma Coalition (ADL) Center for Extremism Research, the darker the color, the greater the number of people
The American Anti-Stigma Coalition (ADL) Center for Extremism Studies analyzed the leaked list of "Guardians of oath" members and released a report on September 7, local time. On the list of nearly 40,000 people, they identified government officials, police, soldiers, firefighters, first responders, religious leaders, teachers, and others with access to highly classified information and access to critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities.
According to the ADL report, the places where guardians of the oath have the most members include Texas, California, Florida and New York. In terms of occupational distribution, New York State has the most law enforcement officers, Illinois has the most first responders, and Virginia has the most military personnel. The Guardians of oath base texas has the largest number of members, reaching 3301 members, while North Dakota has the fewest members, with only 81 members.
The researchers say that while there is no evidence that the group seeks to "infiltrate" institutions, the fact that they recruit a large number of members and supporters in the aforementioned occupational categories suggests that "extremist ideologies already have a place in the mainstream of U.S. power." ”
The Guardians of the Oath is a large far-right armed group founded in 2009 that spreads conspiracy theories and claims to protect the rights of American citizens from government abuses. The ADL notes that this group differs from other extremist groups in that it focuses on recruiting active and veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders.
↑ "Guardians of oaths" founder Stuart Rhodes (center) speaks at a rally in 2017
More than 26 members, including Oath Guardian founder Stuart Rhodes, were charged with involvement in the 2021 Capitol Hill riots, half of whom were indicted for treason. In the riots, thousands of Trump supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the outcome of the election and the transfer of power.
Previously, Members of the Guardians of oaths have been arrested for a range of crimes, including violating gun laws, plotting to obstruct federal officials, possessing explosives, and threatening public officials.
The extreme rhetoric of members of the special status "Guardians of oaths" has unnerved the researchers. One soldier said, "I can take out my weapon and shoot at the target." If the federal government tries to impose martial law, I can help. And one doctor wrote, "Many of my patients are police officers, armored soldiers, agents and officers." I have a way to promote this organization to patients. This week I showed two armored soldiers a link to the website. ”
↑ In January 2021, Trump supporters gathered in front of the Capitol
Some experts point out that the consequences of the 2021 U.S. Capitol Hill riots and the arrest of founder Stuart Rhodes have weakened the group's appeal. Some of the members on the list tried to clear their ties to the group in interviews with the media.
South Dakota Congressman Phil Jensen responded that he only paid the Oath Keeper dues in 2014, but did not receive any documents, attend meetings, or renew his membership.
Sheriff Mike Hollins hyde of Elmore County, Idaho, said: "I don't know what they sent. I didn't get any updated information... I didn't pay for membership fees or anything else. ”
ADL researchers say that while some claim that the Oath Keepers became more radical and retreated in 2014, it is important to note that the group embraced extremism from its inception, and that fact did not prevent these people from joining.
Red Star News reporter Wang Di
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