Two Virginia National Guardsmen allegedly lead a rural anti-government militia, raising serious national security concerns.
At a Glance
- Two Virginia National Guardsmen allegedly lead a local anti-government militia.
- The Campbell County Militia has made overt threats against the government.
- Law enforcement officials are worried about national security and the erosion of trust in military institutions.
- Abbott and Griffeth’s involvement highlights the issue of ex-military expertise being used for extremist agendas.
Guardsmen’s Involvement in Anti-Government Militia
Staff Sergeants Daniel Abbott and Alexandra Griffeth, top-performing noncommissioned officers in the Virginia Army National Guard, are alleged to lead the Campbell County Militia, a local county-approved group. This militia has made overt threats against the government and has been recognized by the county’s board of supervisors.
The militia, formed roughly five years ago amidst rising tensions from Democratic victories and gun control debates in Virginia, operates beyond the jurisdiction of traditional law enforcement. Abbott, who commands the militia, has ties with similar groups in the state. The social media footprint of the militia suggests it primarily comprises white individuals and features anti-immigrant rhetoric and suggestions of pending violence.
Law enforcement officials and national security experts are particularly alarmed by Abbott’s issued threats against the federal government, indicating the militia’s mission could include waging war. The Virginia National Guard has not confirmed if there is an active investigation into Abbott and Griffeth’s activities.
Rising Militia Activity in Virginia
Virginia has seen a significant rise in militia activity coinciding with the state’s increasing diversity. Similar groups, such as the Virginia Kekoas and the Hanover Patriots, have been active in public demonstrations, often with connections to local law enforcement. The formation and recognition of these militias, especially one involving National Guardsmen, raises grave concerns about their legality and impact on democratic processes.
“There is no easier way to sabotage the U.S. than having access to equipment,” said Kris Goldsmith, an Iraq war veteran who runs a nonprofit that researches and tracks extremism online.
Public relations activities of these militias, such as community service, are seen as efforts to build positive relationships and recruit members. However, experts warn that these groups can intimidate citizens and influence politics, thus undermining democracy.
The Pentagon’s Struggle with Extremism
The Pentagon has faced difficulty addressing the issue of extremism among troops and veterans. Despite new Army rules explicitly prohibiting anti-government behavior and threats of violence, enforcement has been challenging. Briefings on extremism, like the 2021 stand-down ordered by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, were often poorly executed and did not effectively engage soldiers.
“Active participation in extremist activities can be prohibited even in some circumstances in which such activities would be constitutionally protected in a civilian setting,” Wormuth penned in a memo at the time of the policy’s release. “Extremism calls into question a soldier’s ability to follow orders from, or effectively lead and serve with, persons of diverse backgrounds.”
The case of Abbott and Griffeth starkly underscores these issues, illustrating the potential dangers of military expertise being used to further extremist agendas and the need for more effective measures to counteract extremism within military ranks.
Sources
1. 2 Virginia Guardsmen Are Running a Rural Anti-Government Militia
2. 2 Virginia Guardsmen Are Running a Rural Anti-Government Militia
