Two Arrested for Inciting Violence via Telegram: Justice Department

Federal authorities have apprehended two individuals for allegedly utilizing the messaging platform Telegram to incite violence against minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure in the United States. The Justice Department announced the arrests on September 9, 2024.

Dallas Erin Humber, 34, from Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Robert Allison, 37, from Boise, Idaho, face 15 federal charges in the Eastern District of California. The accusations include soliciting hate crimes, encouraging the murder of federal officials, distributing instructions for making explosive devices, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

Prosecutors allege that Humber and Allison led a transnational group called Terrorgram, which operates on Telegram and promotes white supremacist ideology and violence to its followers. The platform, founded in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, has gained popularity for its encrypted messaging features and has reached 500 million monthly active users as of January 2021.

According to the indictment, the suspects used Telegram to:

• Transmit bomb-making instructions
• Distribute a list of potential assassination targets
• Celebrate individuals accused of prior violent acts or plots

The list of targets allegedly included a federal judge, a senator, and a former U.S. attorney. The group also reportedly praised recent violent incidents, such as the stabbing of five people outside a mosque in Turkey in August 2024 and the arrest of an 18-year-old accused of planning to attack an electrical substation in July 2024.

Matthew Olsen, Assistant Attorney General and the Justice Department's top national security official, emphasized the severity of the threat posed by the group. He stated, "The danger and risks that this group posed cannot be overstated."

The indictment reveals that Humber and Allison allegedly used phrases like "Take Action Now" and "Do your part" to encourage their followers to commit violent acts. These exhortations highlight the potential for social media platforms to be misused for extremist purposes.

Kristen Clarke, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, affirmed the department's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, including those who attempt to incite bias-motivated violence from behind computer screens.

It's worth noting that Telegram has faced criticism and legal challenges in multiple jurisdictions due to its potential use by extremist groups. The platform's end-to-end encryption for secret chats and the ability to create channels with unlimited subscribers have made it attractive to various groups, including those with malicious intent.

This case underscores the ongoing debate about the responsibility of social media platforms in moderating content and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies. While Telegram has been praised for its role in political movements and protests, it has also faced bans in several countries due to security concerns.

As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to scrutinize the broader implications of online radicalization and the use of encrypted messaging apps for illegal activities. The arrests of Humber and Allison serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges in balancing free speech, privacy, and public safety in the digital age.

"I think it would be difficult to overstate, the danger and risks that that this group posed."

This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and technology companies to address the evolving landscape of online extremism and protect vulnerable communities from targeted violence.