From Soldier to Extremist: The Rise of Chris Arthur and the Threat of Military Radicalization

Chris Arthur, a former North Carolina National Guard soldier, is a worrying symbol of US military extremism. Arthur urges violent rebellion against law police and government authorities after training in explosives and military tactics. His YouTube films, such as “The End of America or the Next Revolutionary War,” show his opinion that civil war is impending and that survival requires violent resistance.

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Arthur's fanaticism corresponded with far-right ideas before the January 6 Capitol rebellion. He wrote militia training manuals and held kidnapping and explosives classes at his Mount Olive, North Carolina home. Authorities ignored warnings from concerned parties, including his wife's ex-husband, allowing him to store weapons and teach others about violence.

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Arthur is not alone; around 480 military personnel committed ideologically motivated extremist offenses from 2017 to 2023. This disturbing trend shows that military veterans are more prone to commit violent plots involving firearms and tactical training. Over 80% of these radicals are far-right or anti-government, according to research.

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The Pentagon has taken steps to combat extremism in its ranks while law enforcement faces this issue. Despite instructions to trace and monitor extremist activities, structural problems persist. Military accountability and prevention are called into doubt by the failure to act on early warnings concerning Arthur.

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Arthur's situation illustrates a larger social issue: military radicalization increases the risk of mass violence. Since 2017, terrorist schemes, mostly anti-government, have murdered or injured roughly 100 people. Comprehensive strategies to combat radicalized individuals like Arthur are needed now more than ever to protect the U.S.

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