In testimony before the public safety and national security committee in Canada, the assistant director for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service noted a rise of ideologically motivated violent extremism since the beginning of the pandemic.
She notes that this activity “been fuelled by an increase in extreme anti-authority and anti-government rhetoric, often rooted in the weaponization of conspiracy theories…”
They noted a market increase in violent threats geared towards elected officials and public servants.
The deputy commander of the RCMP also noted that the Mounties have seen a rise in ideologically motivated violent extremism as well. They see this the most among people “who are not clearly affiliated with a group and who are motivated by very individualized ideologies.”
The problems are coming from people associate with right-wing extremism and those who are anti-mandate. Intelligence officials say that the problem now is more now intense and organized.
The key to dealing with this issue, they say, is learning what is at the root of the problem.
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