The polarizing climate in which the presidential election is taking place, with Republican and Democratic clans who “can no longer stand each other”, is conducive to the rise of certain extremist groups who are already organizing themselves in anticipation of the outcome of the election. the election.
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The “extremely violent rhetoric” put forward by former President Donald Trump serves as ammunition for these activists who are taking advantage of an exacerbation of tensions to stock up on new members, reported Mathieu Colin, researcher at the University of Sherbrooke, UNESCO chair in prevention of radicalization and violent extremism.
“What we fear is potentially riots, or in any case violence that would be triggered,” he said in an interview with LCN on Tuesday.
Even if the arrest of several of their leaders since January 6 has “potentially disorganized” them, these groups nevertheless remain determined to make themselves heard.
AFP
“We know that [dans] Telegram, currently, there is communication being organized between different militias such as the Proud Boys, the Off Keepers and the Free Percenters, which is therefore quite worrying,” illustrated the expert. These discussions, which take place through encrypted channels, are difficult to trace by American authorities.
“We know that in Florida, for example, or in other states that have recently been affected by hurricanes Milton et Helenemilitias, notably [les] Free Percenters, play on the feeling of abandonment [de la part] government to recruit, organize and also plan for violence in the event that they believe the election is stolen,” he added.
Watch the full interview in the video above.
