The US Justice Department has charged two individuals with leading a ‘transnational terrorist group’ on the social media app Telegram to solicit hate crimes and violence against minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure in the United States. Dallas Erin Humber and Matthew Robert Allison face 15 federal counts in California, including soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, distributing bomb-making instructions, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. The indictment accuses them of espousing white supremacist ideology through the Terrorgram Collective group on Telegram.
The suspects allegedly used the app to transmit bomb-making instructions, distribute a list of potential targets for assassination, and encourage acts of violence. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen emphasized the danger posed by the group and stated that the Justice Department will hold perpetrators accountable for bias-motivated violence. The announcement of the charges comes at a time of heightened fears of political violence in the lead-up to the US presidential election in November.
In response to the charges, the founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, was detained by French authorities for allegedly allowing criminal activity on the platform, a charge he has denied. The Justice Department’s actions aim to address the risks posed by individuals who promote violence online, including those who use social media to incite hate crimes. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke underscored the department’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of where they hide.
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