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Undercover Against Extremism: John Williams' Infiltration of Right-Wing Militias

A Mole Infiltrated the Highest Ranks of American Militias. This Is What He Found. 🔗

Outraged by the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a wilderness survival trainer spent years undercover climbing the ranks of right-wing militias. He didn’t tell police or the FBI. He didn’t tell family or friends. The one person he told was a ProPublica reporter.

John Williams, a wilderness survival trainer, spent over two years undercover within right-wing militias, gathering crucial evidence about their operations and connections to law enforcement. Without informing authorities or even his family, he infiltrated groups including the Oath Keepers and American Patriots Three Percent (AP3), rising to leadership positions while documenting their activities through secret recordings and extensive files. Williams's motivations were fueled by concerns about the threats these militias posed to democracy, especially after the January 6 Capitol riots. As tensions escalated and his safety became compromised, he decided to flee, ultimately planning to expose the militias and their ties to the government publicly.

What motivated John Williams to infiltrate the militias?

Williams was motivated by concerns over the threats these militias posed to democracy, especially after witnessing the January 6 Capitol riots, which he viewed as a significant danger to democratic processes.

How did Williams gather evidence during his undercover work?

He secretly recorded conversations, collected documents, and maintained extensive files on the militia's operations and their ties to law enforcement, all while posing as a committed member within the groups.

What actions did Williams take after feeling his safety was compromised?

Once he felt his cover was at risk, he fled and began planning to expose the militias' activities and their connections to government officials, intending to release a trove of evidence publicly.

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