WASHINGTON – In a shocking revelation, two individuals have been arrested on charges related to propagating white supremacist ideology through the social media messaging app Telegram. The Justice Department announced on Monday that Dallas Erin Humber and Matthew Robert Allison used Telegram to incite violence against minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure in the United States.

Humber, 34, from Elk Grove, California, and Allison, 37, from Boise, Idaho, face 15 federal charges in the Eastern District of California. The charges range from soliciting hate crimes to distributing bomb-making instructions and conspiring to provide support to terrorists. The arrest of the two individuals sheds light on the dangers posed by online platforms that enable the spread of extremist ideologies.

The indictment reveals that Humber and Allison led a transnational group called Terrorgram on Telegram, promoting white supremacist views and encouraging violence among their followers. They shared bomb-making instructions, targeted lists for assassination, and celebrated previous acts of violence carried out by individuals with similar ideologies.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen emphasized the grave threat posed by such groups, stating that the danger cannot be overstated. The call to action by Humber and Allison included phrases like “Take Action Now” and “Do your part,” urging their followers to commit violent acts.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted the Department’s commitment to holding perpetrators of bias-motivated violence accountable, regardless of whether they operate online or in person. The crackdown on individuals like Humber and Allison sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.

The recent arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in France further underscores the global concern surrounding the use of social media platforms for criminal activities. Durov’s detention serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come with allowing extremist ideologies to thrive online.