Right wing extremist?

(U//FOUO)  Rightwing Extremism: Current 

Economic and Political Climate Fueling 

Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment 

 

 

7 April 2009 

 

(U)  Prepared by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch, Homeland Environment Threat Analysis 

Division.  Coordinated with the FBI. 

 

(U)  Scope 

 

(U//FOUO)  This product is one of a series of intelligence assessments published by the 

Extremism and Radicalization Branch to facilitate a greater understanding of the 

phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States.  The information is 

provided to federal, state, local, and tribal counterterrorism and law enforcement 

officials so they may effectively deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks 

against the United States.  Federal efforts to influence domestic public opinion must be 

conducted in an overt and transparent manner, clearly identifying United States 

Government sponsorship. 

(U)  Key Findings 

 

(U//LES)  The DHS/Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has no specific 

information that domestic rightwing* terrorists are currently planning acts of violence, 

but rightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about 

several emergent issues.  The economic downturn and the election of the first 

African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and 

recruitment.   

 

— (U//LES)  Threats from white supremacist and violent antigovernment groups 

during 2009 have been largely rhetorical and have not indicated plans to carry 

out violent acts.  Nevertheless, the consequences of a prolonged economic 

downturn—including real estate foreclosures, unemployment, and an inability 

to obtain credit—could create a fertile recruiting environment for rightwing 

extremists and even result in confrontations between such groups and 

government authorities similar to those in the past. 

 

— (U//LES)  Rightwing extremists have capitalized on the election of the first 

African American president, and are focusing their efforts to recruit new 

members, mobilize existing supporters, and broaden their scope and appeal 

through propaganda, but they have not yet turned to attack planning. 

 

(U//FOUO)  The current economic and political climate has some similarities to the 

1990s when rightwing extremism experienced a resurgence fueled largely by an 

economic recession, criticism about the outsourcing of jobs, and the perceived threat to 

U.S. power and sovereignty by other foreign powers. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  During the 1990s, these issues contributed to the growth in the 

number of domestic rightwing terrorist and extremist groups and an increase in 

violent acts targeting government facilities, law enforcement officers, banks, 

and infrastructure sectors.  

 

— (U//FOUO)  Growth of these groups subsided in reaction to increased 

government scrutiny as a result of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and 

disrupted plots, improvements in the economy, and the continued U.S. standing 

as the preeminent world power. 

 

(U//FOUO)  The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of 

military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities 

could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists 

capable of carrying out violent attacks. 

(U//FOUO)  Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans 

likely would attract new members into the ranks of rightwing extremist groups, 

as well as potentially spur some of them to begin planning and training for 

violence against the government.  The high volume of purchases and 

stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation 

of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary 

concern to law enforcement.   

 

— (U//FOUO)  Returning veterans possess combat skills and experience that are 

attractive to rightwing extremists.  DHS/I&A is concerned that rightwing 

extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to 

boost their violent capabilities. 

 

 

(U)  Current Economic and Political Climate 

 

(U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A assesses that a number of economic and political factors are 

driving a resurgence in rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization activity.  

Despite similarities to the climate of the 1990s, the threat posed by lone wolves and small 

terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years.  In addition, the historical election of 

an African American president and the prospect of policy changes are proving to be a 

driving force for rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization. 

 

— (U)  A recent example of the potential violence associated with a rise in rightwing 

extremism may be found in the shooting deaths of three police officers in 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 4 April 2009.  The alleged gunman’s reaction 

reportedly was influenced by his racist ideology and belief in antigovernment 

conspiracy theories related to gun confiscations, citizen detention camps, and a 

Jewish-controlled “one world government.” 

 

(U)  Exploiting Economic Downturn 

 

(U//FOUO)  Rightwing extremist chatter on the Internet continues to focus on the 

economy, the perceived loss of U.S. jobs in the manufacturing and construction sectors, 

and home foreclosures.  Anti-Semitic extremists attribute these losses to a deliberate 

conspiracy conducted by a cabal of Jewish “financial elites.”  These “accusatory” tactics 

are employed to draw new recruits into rightwing extremist groups and further radicalize 

those already subscribing to extremist beliefs.  DHS/I&A assesses this trend is likely to 

accelerate if the economy is perceived to worsen. 

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(U)  Historical Presidential Election 

 

(U//LES)  Rightwing extremists are harnessing this historical election as a recruitment 

tool.  Many rightwing extremists are antagonistic toward the new presidential 

administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues, including immigration and 

citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions on firearms 

UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY 

 

ownership and use.  Rightwing extremists are increasingly galvanized by these concerns 

and leverage them as drivers for recruitment.  From the 2008 election timeframe to the 

present, rightwing extremists have capitalized on related racial and political prejudices in 

expanded propaganda campaigns, thereby reaching out to a wider audience of potential 

sympathizers. 

 

— (U//LES)  Most statements by rightwing extremists have been rhetorical, 

expressing concerns about the election of the first African American president, 

but stopping short of calls for violent action.  In two instances in the run-up to the 

election, extremists appeared to be in the early planning stages of some 

threatening activity targeting the Democratic nominee, but law enforcement 

interceded. 

 

(U)  Revisiting the 1990s 

 

(U//FOUO)  Paralleling the current national climate, rightwing extremists during the 

1990s exploited a variety of social issues and political themes to increase group visibility 

and recruit new members.  Prominent among these themes were the militia movement’s 

opposition to gun control efforts, criticism of free trade agreements (particularly those 

with Mexico), and highlighting perceived government infringement on civil liberties as 

well as white supremacists’ longstanding exploitation of social issues such as abortion, 

inter-racial crimes, and same-sex marriage.  During the 1990s, these issues contributed to 

the growth in the number of domestic rightwing terrorist and extremist groups and an 

increase in violent acts targeting government facilities, law enforcement officers, banks, 

and infrastructure sectors. 

 (U)  Economic Hardship and Extremism 

 

(U//FOUO)  Historically, domestic rightwing extremists have feared, predicted, and 

anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States.  Prominent 

antigovernment conspiracy theorists have incorporated aspects of an impending 

economic collapse to intensify fear and paranoia among like-minded individuals and to 

attract recruits during times of economic uncertainty.  Conspiracy theories involving 

declarations of martial law, impending civil strife or racial conflict, suspension of the 

U.S. Constitution, and the creation of citizen detention camps often incorporate aspects of 

a failed economy.  Antigovernment conspiracy theories and “end times” prophecies could 

motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons.  

These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist 

individuals and groups in the past, such as violent Christian Identity organizations and 

extremist members of the militia movement. 

 Illegal Immigration 

 

(U//FOUO)  Rightwing extremists were concerned during the 1990s with the perception 

that illegal immigrants were taking away American jobs through their willingness to 

work at significantly lower wages.  They also opposed free trade agreements, arguing that 

these arrangements resulted in Americans losing jobs to countries such as Mexico. 

 

(U//FOUO)  Over the past five years, various rightwing extremists, including militias and 

white supremacists, have adopted the immigration issue as a call to action, rallying point, 

and recruiting tool.  Debates over appropriate immigration levels and enforcement policy 

generally fall within the realm of protected political speech under the First Amendment, 

but in some cases, anti-immigration or strident pro-enforcement fervor has been directed 

against specific groups and has the potential to turn violent. 

 

(U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremist groups’ frustration over a 

perceived lack of government action on illegal immigration has the potential to incite 

individuals or small groups toward violence.  If such violence were to occur, it likely 

would be isolated, small-scale, and directed at specific immigration-related targets. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A notes that prominent civil rights organizations have 

observed an increase in anti-Hispanic crimes over the past five years. 

 

— (U)  In April 2007, six militia members were arrested for various weapons and 

explosives violations.  Open source reporting alleged that those arrested had 

discussed and conducted surveillance for a machinegun attack on Hispanics. 

 

— (U)  A militia member in Wyoming was arrested in February 2007 after 

communicating his plans to travel to the Mexican border to kill immigrants 

crossing into the United States. 

 

(U)  Legislative and Judicial Drivers 

 

(U//FOUO)  Many rightwing extremist groups perceive recent gun control legislation as a 

threat to their right to bear arms and in response have increased weapons and ammunition 

stockpiling, as well as renewed participation in paramilitary training exercises.  Such 

activity, combined with a heightened level of extremist paranoia, has the potential to 

facilitate criminal activity and violence. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  During the 1990s, rightwing extremist hostility toward government 

was fueled by the implementation of restrictive gun laws—such as the Brady Law 

that established a 5-day waiting period prior to purchasing a handgun and the 

1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act that limited the sale of 

various types of assault rifles—and federal law enforcement’s handling of the 

confrontations at Waco, Texas and Ruby Ridge, Idaho. 

(U//FOUO)  On the current front, legislation has been proposed this year 

requiring mandatory registration of all firearms in the United States.  Similar 

legislation was introduced in 2008 in several states proposing mandatory tagging 

and registration of ammunition.  It is unclear if either bill will be passed into law; 

nonetheless, a correlation may exist between the potential passage of gun control 

legislation and increased hoarding of ammunition, weapons stockpiling, and 

paramilitary training activities among rightwing extremists. 

 

(U//FOUO)  Open source reporting of wartime ammunition shortages has likely spurred 

rightwing extremists—as well as law-abiding Americans—to make bulk purchases of 

ammunition.  These shortages have increased the cost of ammunition, further 

exacerbating rightwing extremist paranoia and leading to further stockpiling activity.  

Both rightwing extremists and law-abiding citizens share a belief that rising crime rates 

attributed to a slumping economy make the purchase of legitimate firearms a wise move 

at this time. 

 

(U//FOUO)  Weapons rights and gun-control legislation are likely to be hotly contested 

subjects of political debate in light of the 2008 Supreme Court’s decision in District of 

Columbia v. Heller in which the Court reaffirmed an individual’s right to keep and bear 

arms under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but left open to debate the 

precise contours of that right.  Because debates over constitutional rights are intense, and 

parties on all sides have deeply held, sincere, but vastly divergent beliefs, violent 

extremists may attempt to co-opt the debate and use the controversy as a radicalization 

tool. 

Page 6 of 9 

Perceived Threat from Rise of Other Countries 

 

(U//FOUO)  Rightwing extremist paranoia of foreign regimes could escalate or be 

magnified in the event of an economic crisis or military confrontation, harkening back to 

the “New World Order” conspiracy theories of the 1990s.  The dissolution of Communist 

countries in Eastern Europe and the end of the Soviet Union in the 1990s led some 

rightwing extremists to believe that a “New World Order” would bring about a world 

government that would usurp the sovereignty of the United States and its Constitution, 

thus infringing upon their liberty.  The dynamics in 2009 are somewhat similar, as other 

countries, including China, India, and Russia, as well as some smaller, oil-producing 

states, are experiencing a rise in economic power and influence.  

 

— (U//FOUO)  Fear of Communist regimes and related conspiracy theories 

characterizing the U.S. Government’s role as either complicit in a foreign 

invasion or acquiescing as part of a “One World Government” plan inspired 

extremist members of the militia movement to target government and military 

facilities in past years.  

 

— (U//FOUO)  Law enforcement in 1996 arrested three rightwing militia members 

in Battle Creek, Michigan with pipe bombs, automatic weapons, and military

 

ordnance that they planned to use in attacks on nearby military and federal 

facilities and infrastructure targets. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  Rightwing extremist views bemoan the decline of U.S. stature and 

have recently focused on themes such as the loss of U.S. manufacturing capability 

to China and India, Russia’s control of energy resources and use of these to 

pressure other countries, and China’s investment in U.S. real estate and 

corporations as a part of subversion strategy. 

(U//FOUO)  Lone Wolves and Small Terrorist Cells 

 

(U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A assesses that lone wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent rightwing 

extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States.  Information 

from law enforcement and nongovernmental organizations indicates lone wolves and small terrorist 

cells have shown intent—and, in some cases, the capability—to commit violent acts. 

 

— (U//LES)  DHS/I&A has concluded that white supremacist lone wolves pose the most 

significant domestic terrorist threat because of their low profile and autonomy—separate from 

any formalized group—which hampers warning efforts. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  Similarly, recent state and municipal law enforcement reporting has warned of the 

dangers of rightwing extremists embracing the tactics of “leaderless resistance” and of lone 

wolves carrying out acts of violence. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  Arrests in the past several years of radical militia members in Alabama, Arkansas, 

and Pennsylvania on firearms, explosives, and other related violations indicates the emergence 

of small, well-armed extremist groups in some rural areas. 

Disgruntled Military Veterans 

 

(U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and 

radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from 

military training and combat.  These skills and knowledge have the potential to boost the 

capabilities of extremists—including lone wolves or small terrorist cells—to carry out 

violence.  The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist 

groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned, or suffering from 

the psychological effects of war is being replicated today. 

 

— (U)  After Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, some returning military 

veterans—including Timothy McVeigh—joined or associated with rightwing 

extremist groups. 

 

—  (U)  A prominent civil rights organization reported in 2006 that “large numbers 

of potentially violent neo-Nazis, skinheads, and other white supremacists are now 

learning the art of warfare in the [U.S.] armed forces.” 

 

— (U//LES)  The FBI noted in a 2008 report on the white supremacist movement 

that some returning military veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have 

joined extremist groups. 

 

Outlook 

 

(U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A assesses that the combination of environmental factors that echo 

the 1990s, including heightened interest in legislation for tighter firearms restrictions and 

returning military veterans, as well as several new trends, including an uncertain 

economy and a perceived rising influence of other countries, may be invigorating 

rightwing extremist activity, specifically the white supremacist and militia movements.  

To the extent that these factors persist, rightwing extremism is likely to grow in strength. 

 

(U//FOUO)  Unlike the earlier period, the advent of the Internet and other information- 

age technologies since the 1990s has given domestic extremists greater access to 

information related to bomb-making, weapons training, and tactics, as well as targeting of 

individuals, organizations, and facilities, potentially making extremist individuals and 

groups more dangerous and the consequences of their violence more severe.  New 

technologies also permit domestic extremists to send and receive encrypted 

communications and to network with other extremists throughout the country and abroad, 

making it much more difficult for law enforcement to deter, prevent, or preempt a violent 

extremist attack.  

 

(U//FOUO)  A number of law enforcement actions and external factors were effective in 

limiting the militia movement during the 1990s and could be utilized in today’s climate. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  Following the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal 

building in Oklahoma City, the militia movement declined in total membership 

and in the number of organized groups because many members distanced 

themselves from the movement as a result of the intense scrutiny militias received 

after the bombing. 

 

—  (U//FOUO)  Militia membership continued to decline after the turn of the 

millennium as a result of law enforcement disruptions of multiple terrorist plots 

linked to violent rightwing extremists, new legislation banning paramilitary 

training, and militia frustration that the “revolution” never materialized. 

 

— (U//FOUO)  Although the U.S. economy experienced a significant recovery and 

many perceived a concomitant rise in U.S. standing in the world,  white 

supremacist groups continued to experience slight growth. 

 

 (U//FOUO)  DHS/I&A will be working with its state and local partners over the next 

several months to ascertain with greater regional specificity the rise in rightwing 

extremist activity in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the political, 

economic, and social factors that drive rightwing extremist radicalization.