QUESTION: Intelligence reports have emerged today that "White Racially Motivated Violent Extremists" WRVME groups are seeking to spread #COVID19. We've been asked: Is that is true? We've spoken to federal law enforcement and security officials. Follow this thread for the answer.
ANSWER: First of all, the answer is yes. In its Feb.17-21 weekly intelligence briefing, the #FederalProtectiveService, part of @DHSgov, reported that chatter picked up on @telegram between WRVME sympathizers included discussions about devising ways to spread the virus.
The target group, according to the FPS alert, included law enforcement officers, the Jewish community and non-white neighborhoods.
ANSWER + ANALYSIS: We asked @stick631 of @Stratfor to address the likely hood this threat could be carried out.
“I have seen multiple media reports indicating that law enforcement has warned that white supremacists are talking about weaponizing COVID-19.
While I haven't seen such chatter myself, I don't doubt that some white supremacists have discussed it. COVID-19 is on the top of everyone's mind.
However, merely talking about using COVID-19 as a weapon and actually doing it are two very different things. I doubt that white supremacists are making a concerted effort to do so.
But, even by just talking about it, and then having that chatter widely reported in the press, they have achieved a cheap victory by promoting fear and also by receiving a lot of free publicity for their cause.”
Thanks Scott. We appreciate you taking time to answer this question. More about @stick631 here: stratfor.com/people/189109
@NatSecAnswers has spoken with numerous law enforcement and security officials and organizations and been told, they've alerted their memberships and stakeholders about it.
If YOU have serious national security questions, follow @NatSecAnswers and we'll get the answers.
FYI...@NatSecAnswers does not seek to contribute to the fear and panic that hate groups can create. Rather we report and analyze their threats to promote public awareness. #FactsNotFear #KnowledgeIsPower @DavidPriess @Stratfor @mvhaydencenter
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