Far-Right Violent Extremist Targeting of Law Enforcement in the United States

By Michael Danahy

Many of the contributing factors leading to extremism and terrorism have been exacerbated in recent years by both domestic and transnational events. While U.S. counterterrorism efforts have been largely focused on international terrorist groups, there has been a progressive resurgence of far-left and farright violent extremism in the United States and Western Europe. This increasing threat has not only resulted in attacks on civilians but has targeted law enforcement as well. This author reviewed and analyzed publicly available news articles, journals, databases, expert opinions, and other findings on far-right extremism content to authenticate and detail the extent to which far-right violent extremists have targeted law enforcement over the last several decades and their current trend. The report gives an overview on the various tactics and strategies far-right violent extremists implement in the overall efforts to expand their influence and achieve their intended goals. The findings suggest that far-right violent extremists will utilize both physical and psychological methods and tools to manipulate people, justify actions, and accumulate power. The findings also shed light on the efforts of law enforcement, counterterrorism analysts, and scholars to counter such a growing threat, including actions that the public can undertake to further limit its spread.

Marlborough, MA: American Counterterrorism Targeting and Resilience Institute (ACTRI), 2022.