Experts Say Neo-Nazi 'Accelerationists' Discuss Taking Advantage of Coronavirus Crisis - 2020-03-18
Experts Say Neo-Nazi 'Accelerationists' Discuss Taking Advantage of Coronavirus Crisis March 18, 2020,
While ISIS has instructed its members to steer clear of Europe and to constantly wash their hands in hopes of avoiding contracting the novel coronavirus, far-right extremists are discussing how this could be their moment to capitalize on what they see as a potential collapse of society.
The conversations, many of which are taking place on encrypted and closed Telegram channels, gives a glimpse into how the militant neo-Nazi movement—the organized sections of which have been facing increased pressure from federal law enforcement—is reacting to the global pandemic.
Though a lot of the talk is wrapped in troll culture with users sharing absurd anti-semitic theories for the virus' origins and memes about the supposed hygienic superiority of Nazis, some online neo-Nazis are openly seeing the potential opportunity the pandemic brings to their movement: the chance for violent insurgency if authorities struggle to maintain control over society during a prolonged lockdown of the public.
