Arrests Made in White Supremacist Plot to Incite Hate Crimes and Violence
Two individuals, Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison, have been arrested on charges related to promoting hate crimes and violence against minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure in the United States. The Justice Department revealed that the defendants used the social media messaging app Telegram to spread their white supremacist ideology and encourage their followers to commit acts of violence.
Humber, 34, from Elk Grove, California, and Allison, 37, from Boise, Idaho, were arrested last Friday and now face 15 federal counts in the Eastern District of California. The charges against them include soliciting hate crimes, distributing bomb-making instructions, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
The indictment accuses the pair of leading a network called Terrorgram on Telegram, where they urged their followers to target government buildings, energy facilities, and high-value individuals such as politicians. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to holding perpetrators of bias-motivated violence accountable.
The defendants allegedly used the app to share bomb-making instructions, distribute a list of potential assassination targets, and celebrate violent acts carried out by their followers. The indictment also mentioned a documentary produced by Humber and Allison called “White Terror,” which praised over 100 acts of white supremacist violence.
Telegram, the messaging app used by the defendants, has faced criticism for allowing extremist content on its platform. The company’s founder, Pavel Durov, was recently detained by French authorities on charges related to criminal activity on the app. Durov has pledged to enhance efforts to combat criminal behavior on Telegram.
The case against Humber and Allison highlights the dangers of online platforms being used to promote hate and violence. The Justice Department is taking a strong stance against individuals who incite violence and spread extremist ideologies through social media channels.