Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen announced charges against leaders of the transnational terrorist group Terrorgram in a press conference held on September 9, 2024. Olsen, who serves as the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, detailed the allegations and the collaborative efforts of various federal agencies in addressing these threats.
"For the National Security Division, protecting Americans from terrorism and violent extremist threats is at the core of our mission," stated Olsen. He emphasized that NSD’s Counterterrorism Section works daily with partners to protect citizens from those who seek to promote violence and violate the law.
The charges involve conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism and hate crimes. "As alleged, Humber and Allison, the leaders of Terrorgram, conspired to solicit and provide material support to carry out attacks on federal officials and critical government infrastructure," said Olsen. The defendants are accused of disseminating instructions for such attacks.
Olsen described Terrorgram's ideology as one centered on white supremacy and accelerationism, aiming to incite a race war and governmental collapse through violence. The defendants allegedly circulated a list of "high value targets" for assassination, including names, photographs, and home addresses. Allison reportedly encouraged users to "Take Action Now" and "Do Your Part."
Further accusations include plans for mass casualty attacks on critical infrastructure intended to destabilize public safety. Humber allegedly celebrated an attack on an energy substation last year, encouraging others by highlighting how easy it was to execute such actions without getting caught.
The indictment also mentions that Humber and Allison provided instructional materials for carrying out lethal attacks, including a video titled “How to Make a Letter Bomb.” They purportedly called for attacks targeting individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Terrorgram users have reportedly acted upon these directives. In October 2022, a 19-year-old in Bratislava murdered two people at an LGBT bar after being inspired by Terrorgram content. Another individual in New Jersey was arrested this year for plotting an attack on an energy facility after participating in Terrorgram group chats.
Olsen concluded by underscoring the Justice Department’s commitment to countering terrorism: "Today’s charges underscore the National Security Division’s commitment to stopping acts of terrorism." He acknowledged partnerships with other divisions and thanked various offices involved in disrupting this dangerous network.