Two individuals, Dallas Erin Humber and Matthew Robert Allison, have been charged with using Telegram to incite violence against minorities, government officials, and U.S. infrastructure. Prosecutors allege the defendants shared bomb-making materials and target lists, leading a group known as “Terrorgram” that promotes white supremacist ideology. Both face 15 federal counts in the Eastern District of California.
Hate Crime Plot on Telegram: Quick Looks
- Two suspects charged for using Telegram to incite violence against minorities and officials.
- Accused of leading the “Terrorgram” group, promoting white supremacist ideologies.
- Charges include sharing bomb-making instructions and assassination target lists.
- Targets allegedly included a federal judge, a senator, and a former U.S. attorney.
- Both face 15 federal counts, with court appearances expected early this week.
- The Justice Department emphasized the severe threat posed by the group.
White Supremacist Telegram plot leads to charges against 2 suspects
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Deep Look:
Two individuals, Dallas Erin Humber and Matthew Robert Allison, have been formally charged with orchestrating a plot to incite violence through the messaging platform Telegram. Prosecutors claim the defendants, driven by white supremacist beliefs, used the app to encourage attacks on minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure in the United States. The charges were announced on Monday, marking another significant federal case against hate groups using online platforms to spread extremism and promote violence.
The indictment against Humber and Allison includes 15 federal counts, filed in the Eastern District of California. Among the accusations are allegations that the two suspects used Telegram to distribute bomb-making instructions and circulated a hit list of potential assassination targets. The list reportedly included high-profile figures such as a federal judge, a sitting U.S. senator, and a former U.S. attorney.
Justice Department officials revealed that Humber and Allison were central figures in a network of Telegram channels known collectively as “Terrorgram.” This group, according to the indictment, openly promoted white supremacist ideologies and repeatedly encouraged its members to take violent action. Messages cited in the indictment include phrases like “Take Action Now” and “Do your part,” which authorities believe were direct incitements to acts of violence.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, underscored the serious nature of the case during a press conference on Monday. “I think it would be difficult to overstate the danger and risks that this group posed,” Olsen said, emphasizing the importance of countering violent extremist groups that use digital platforms to further their agendas.
While details about legal representation for Humber and Allison were not immediately available, both are expected to make initial court appearances by Tuesday. The case shines a spotlight on the continued use of encrypted apps like Telegram by extremist groups, presenting significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have taken a growing interest in extremist content on social media and messaging apps, especially as these platforms provide a space for users to plan and coordinate criminal activities anonymously. The case involving “Terrorgram” reflects broader concerns about the rise of hate groups and white supremacist ideologies in online communities.
