Details have surfaced about a man who allegedly leaked hundreds of classified military documents, and experts say evidence suggests he may have been influenced by far-right extremists. Meanwhile, a Texas lawmaker who set his sights on a drag show in which “perverted” adults try to take advantage of children was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a young intern. A sheriff is running for senator.
It’s the week of extremism.
Leak Suspect Arrested:Pentagon Documents Leaked: Air National Guard Arrested.Jack Teixeira to appear in court on Friday
What we know:Who Leaked Pentagon Documents? What We Know About Pentagon Leak Suspect Jack Teixeira
Pentagon Leaks: A Sign of Extremism?
On Thursday, federal officials arrested 21-year-old Jack Teixeira, suspected of leaking hundreds of classified military documents. The motive for leaking the documents remains unclear, but experts say there are indications that the alleged leaker was influenced by far-right extremists.
- The document was shared in a channel on the Discord messaging platform.users of the channel Allegedly shared We talked a lot about racist and xenophobic memes and jokes, and guns.
- and report Based on information from two anonymous members of The Discord channel, The Washington Post, said the creators of the channel, called “OG,” appeared in a video “yelling a series of racial and anti-Semitic slurs into the camera, then firing several shots at the target.” Reported.
- Discord has also appeared in several high-profile domestic terrorist incidents. The man who killed ten of his people in a racist attack on a Buffalo supermarket last year has been active on Discord and left hundreds of pages of posts on the platform.
- “Discord is definitely where you see a lot of extremist chatter online,” Bridget Todd, writer and host of the podcast “No Girls on the Internet,” told USA TODAY.
But what has been revealed so far about the leaker’s motives is inconclusive, Darryl Johnson, a security consultant for the Department of Homeland Security and a former senior domestic terrorism analyst, told USA TODAY. Told.
“There’s smoke at this point,” Johnson said. “This is not a fire.”
Anti-drug Texas lawmaker on fire
USA TODAY interviewed Texas Rep. Bryan Slaton last year for an in-depth look at an all-ages drag show that was being protected by rifle-wielding left-wing activists. Slaton said he believes all-ages drag shows are run by “perverted” adults who try to take advantage of children.
This week, Slaton was accused of having an “improper relationship” with an intern under the age of 21.
- The Slaton scandal Texas Tribune reported, obtained a copy of the complaint against Slaton. The legislator has not been formally charged with a crime.
- The lawsuit alleges that Slaton invited an intern under the age of 21 to an Austin condominium where the two drank alcohol.
- Two of Slaton’s GOP colleagues appear to be visiting him Resign follow the revelation. Rep. Briscoe Kane said, without naming Slaton, “I am completely outraged that Republicans believe they are sexual predators.” I’ve never been so angry with a man and he should resign now.”
- Slaton is a former youth minister.
more:Rep. Bryan Slaton Hires Lawyer Amid Potential Texas House Investigation
Far-right Arizona sheriff runs for Senate
Mark Lamb conservative sheriff The Pinal County, Arizona native has made a name for himself by speaking out against COVID restrictions, questioning the 2020 election results, and chatting with Q-Anon followers. This week, he announced that he will be racing for the Senate seat held by independent Senator Kirsten Cinema.
- Lamb meat has a long history longing To the far right cause. At the height of the COVID pandemic, he refused to enforce Arizona’s curfew.
- he spoke at the event Organized by the American Immigration Reform League, an anti-immigrant organization designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
- Lam posed for photos with QAnon influencers, reportedly He signed his book using the QAnon slogan “WWG1WGA”.
A self-professed advocate for gun rights and border security, Lam also publishes reality TV-style law enforcement videos. He joins what could be an unusual three-way race against the Democratic nominee and Cinema, who left the Democratic Party last year after opposing them on key issues.
Stats of the Week: “Too Many” (Foreigners)
Spread a racist conspiracy:“Exchange theory” fuels extremists and shooters. A top Border Patrol agent is now spreading it.
Description: Great replacement:Yes, the American voter demographic is changing.No, it’s not replacement theory
In the latest example of politicians parroting the racist and discredited grand successor conspiracy theory, Nebraska lawmakers argued Wednesday There are too many foreigners living in his state, and he cites this opinion as the number one reason for the six-week abortion ban in Nebraska.
“Our state’s population has not increased except for aliens who have moved here or refugees who have been placed here,” state legislator Steve Erdman said. told the Nebraska legislature.
catch up:extremist last week
