In recent developments, the escalating activities of a violent online subculture have drawn attention from law enforcement and researchers. A new analysis by RAND Europe’s Molas highlights a concerning trajectory within the online space of an extremist group known as Com/764. Molas points out that this group exhibits a pattern of increasingly severe criminal behavior, starting from minor offenses such as shoplifting and progressing towards grievous crimes, including extortion, kidnapping, and even murder.
An alarming case that encapsulates this trajectory involves Jairo Tinajero, a 25-year-old from Arkansas, who was associated with a splinter faction of Com/764 dubbed 8884. In February, Tinajero pleaded guilty to charges of child sexual abuse material and conspiracy related to the extortion of a minor in Louisville, Kentucky. In his plea agreement, he divulged plans to assassinate the girl once her compliance ceased, and he embedded her sensitive information within the group’s online forums. His attempts to procure an assault rifle and discussions of a murder plot with fellow members illustrate a chilling aspect of their operations.
Moreover, Tinajero’s online interactions included engaging in discussions about previous mass casualty incidents and strategizing future attacks aimed at populated venues, such as shopping malls, schools, and LGBTQ+ events, all under the guise of destabilizing societal order. This intent underscores a dangerous mindset prevalent within certain factions of this extremist network, echoing a broader operational framework outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
Another individual linked to these violent ideologies is Aidan Harding, a neo-Nazi whose activities were spotlighted during a mid-February federal court hearing concerning charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors detailed how Harding, alongside another individual, expressed a profound admiration for past mass shootings, including the infamous Columbine tragedy. Evidence presented in court uncovered content on Harding’s devices, demonstrating an alarming fascination with violent extremism, as well as graphic and disturbing imagery associated with child exploitation.
During his court appearance, an FBI agent revealed that extensive digital evidence was retrieved from Harding, including videos of extreme violence and executions linked to past mass shootings. Additionally, an unsettling photo found on Harding’s phone depicted a message stained in blood asserting allegiance to the Com/764 group, alongside symbols commonly associated with this extremist worldview. The implications of such rhetoric and the admired legacy of violent figures signal a deeper issue within the digital undercurrents of these extremist organizations.
The troubling events detailed in both cases reflect a broader surge in violence associated with the No Lives Matter movement, which has roots in the same radical ideology. In October, for example, a 14-year-old in Sweden, known by the moniker “Slain,” perpetrated multiple attacks against pedestrians while being linked to Com/764. This incident demonstrates the group’s reach, especially within countries like Sweden, the UK, and Bulgaria, as indicated by communications among its participants.
This pattern of behavior signals potential risks for society as these online extremist networks continue to evolve, utilizing tactics that resonate with the MITRE ATT&CK framework’s categories like initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation. Business owners and cybersecurity professionals must remain vigilant against the threats posed by such ideologies, as they find new ways to mobilize and engage individuals who may be prone to radicalization, leading to violent outbreaks in the real world.
