Report: FBI Warns QAnon Followers Discussed Plans To Infiltrate Biden’s Inauguration By Posing As National Guard
Topline
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has informed law enforcement agencies that believers of the QAnon conspiracy theory and far-right ‘lone wolves’ are planning to infiltrate President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration by posing as National Guard members, the Washington Post reported, following the Jan .6 Capitol attack that has necessitated the presence of 25,000 National Guard troops in nation’s capital.
A National Guard soldier guards racks of M4 rifles on the east front of the U.S. Capitol..
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Key Facts
According to the Post report, an FBI document warned that QAnon believers and other far-right extremists have discussed posing as National Guard members in Washington D.C.
The bureau has also reportedly observed people downloading and sharing maps of sensitive locations in the national capital and they have discussed the possible use of those facilities to interfere with the event’s security.
According to the document, QAnon members have discussed that posing as National Guard soldiers would make it easier for them to infiltrate secure areas.
The report however does not highlight any specific threat, pointing instead to “suspicious traffic” picked up from systems and platforms used by the extremist groups.
Key Background
The FBI has reportedly also been tasked with vetting all of the 25,000 National Guard troops stationed in D.C. this week after defense officials raised the alarm about a possible insider threat to Wednesday’s ceremony from among the soldiers. The screening process was started after Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks. Several retired military members were part of the mob of Trump supporters that invaded the Capitol earlier this month. A corporal in the Virginia National Guard, Jacob Fracker, was the first known active military personnel to be arrested for participating in the violent insurrection.
Tangent
While the FBI did not mention what platforms it was monitoring, many QAnon believers and right-wing groups have embraced alternate social media platforms after being kicked off by the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Platforms like Gab and Rumble have seen an uptick in their user base. The Russian messaging app Telegram — which has been used by the Islamic State in the past — has also seen an uptick in new QAnon and right-wing extremist channels. Unlike Gab — which has welcomed the newcomers — Telegram has cracked down on some public channels belonging to QAnon supporters and right-wing militias threatening further violence in Washington, D.C.
Further Reading
QAnon adherents discussed posing as National Guard to try to infiltrate inauguration, according to FBI intelligence briefing (Washington Post)
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