A freelance wilderness survival trainer spent over two years undercover in right-wing militias, rising to leadership without informing police, family, or friends. He documented his infiltration with encrypted drives, disguises, and survival gear, preparing for sudden flight. On April 1, 2023, he fled his apartment with a backpack of supplies, fearing exposure after warning a militia member backfired.
He mailed a flash drive and Oath Keepers medallion to a journalist, having penetrated top ranks of two major militias, including sleeping in the home of the Oath Keepers’ alleged new head and gathering evidence of ties to law enforcement. In Utah, he became the state’s top militia commander through deception. His recordings reveal surveillance of a journalist and sabotage of militia plots.
Motivated by the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and belief that democracy was under siege, he acted as a freelance vigilante. Experts warn militias may renaissance under Donald Trump, fueled by leaders including doctors and attorneys. His secret trove offers a rare, startling view into the militia movement’s operations and mindset.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing