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Right-wing activists pushing baseless claims that the presidential election was "stolen" mobilized in several cities over the weekend, drawing people to the streets through networks forged in summertime protests against lockdowns.

, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and other states typically involved no more than a few hundred people — some of them armed, chanting and praying for President Trump. 

The crowds represented the blend of fringe movements and ideologies that have flourished in the Trump era: self-styled militias, white nationalists, armed "boogaloo boys" and QAnon conspiracy theorists. Right-wing organizers are setting up Facebook groups that use disinformation and fear-mongering as recruiting tools. Social media platforms, in turn, have 

There were scuffles and clashes with police but no major violence at the gatherings, according to local reporters and video footage that was shared via social media. Some clips showed particular 

, part of a conspiratorial backlash at news outlets for naming Joe Biden the winner of the election.  

The pro-Trump street presence was minuscule compared to the thousands of Biden supporters who spilled into the streets in celebration. Still, domestic terrorism analysts warn, 

 and Trump's reckless statements about the vote only fuel the "Us vs. Them" polarization that's now reached dangerous levels. They say the 

 — and perhaps even grow — under a Biden presidency. 


"Extremism is a carnival mirror reflection of conflicts and divisions in the mainstream," said Brian Levin, a hate-crime researcher at California State University, San Bernardino.


Politics and Government News

Election 2020

Hannah Allam

Author

Activists pushing baseless claims about a "stolen" election mobilized in several cities in response to President-elect Biden's victory. 

Extremism experts warn of dangers in baseless claims of 'stolen' election

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