The US Justice Department announced on Monday that two suspects, Dallas Erin Humber and Matthew Robert Allison, have been charged with leading a “transnational terrorist group” called the Terrorgram Collective. The duo allegedly used the messaging app Telegram to incite hate crimes, solicit the murder of federal officials, and provide material support to terrorists. The indictment also accuses them of distributing bomb-making instructions and celebrating violent acts.
Humber, 34, from Elk Grove, California, and Allison, 37, from Boise, Idaho, were arrested on Friday and face 15 federal charges in California. The suspects allegedly promoted white supremacist ideology and encouraged violence against minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure in the US. They used Telegram to transmit bomb-making instructions and identify potential targets for assassination, including a federal judge and senator.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen emphasized the significant risks posed by the group, stating that the department is committed to holding perpetrators of bias-motivated violence accountable. Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted the department’s determination to combat and prosecute individuals who use social media platforms to incite violence.
The announcement coincides with concerns over potential political violence in the lead-up to the US presidential election in November. The suspects’ arrest follows a crackdown on Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, who was recently detained in France for his alleged role in enabling criminal activities on the platform.
In response to the arrests, the Justice Department reiterated its commitment to protecting the public and enforcing the laws against individuals who promote hate crimes and violence against marginalized communities.
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