FBI Militia Violent Extremism Guide

UNCLASSIFIED//LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE FBI INTERNAL USE ONLY FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Domestic Terrorism Symbols Guide (U//LES) Militia Violent Extremism (U//LES) SUMMARY The following symbols are used by Anti-Government or Anti-Authority and Anti-Extremist Extremists, specifically Militia Violent Extremists (MVE). MVE symbols are often found on propaganda, online platforms, memes, merchandise, group logos, flags, tattoos, uniforms, etc. Widespread use of symbols and quotes from American history, especially the Revolutionary war, exists within MVE networks. Historic and contemporary military themes are common for MVE symbols. The use or sharing of these symbols alone should not independently be considered evidence of MVE presence or affiliation or serve as an indicator of illegal activity, as many individuals use these symbols for their original, historic meaning, or other non-violent purposes. (U) SYMBOLS (U) Boogaloo: Alludes to the film “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo”; used by some MVE’s to refer to violent uprising or impending second Civil War. Common imagery incorporates igloo and/or Hawaiian shirts. (U) Anarcho-Capitalism (“Ancap”): An ideology held by some MVE’s advocating the State be eliminated or abolished, and most goods and services be provided by private companies competing in a free market. Represented by a black and yellow flag. (U) Punisher Skull: Several variations of skulls, used by citizens and Militia. (U) Warrior Culture: Military themes both historical and contemporary (Spartan, Viking). (U) 2A: MVE’s justify their existence with the Second Amendment, due to the mention of a “well regulated Militia,” as well as the right to bear arms. “Molon Labe”, “ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ” and “Μολὼν λαβέ”: Greek phrase, translates as “Come and take it” and is common among MVE. (U) Electrical resistance symbol: A way to identify as a resistor. (U) Black Flag: The black and white or all black American flag is used by some to indicate “no quarter shall be given.” (U//FOUO) COMMONLY REFERENCED HISTORICAL IMAGERY OR QUOTES (U) Gadsden Flag: Historical American symbol, representing gun rights and limited government. (U) Liberty Tree: The Liberty Tree was a famous elm tree in Boston near Boston Common. In 1765, colonists in Boston staged the first act of defiance against the British government at the tree. (U) Revolutionary War Imagery: An example of a militiaman during the Revolutionary war. (U) Betsy Ross Flag: Revolutionary war imagery harkening back to the 13 colonies and calls for revolution. (U) For additional information, please contact the Counterterrorism Analysis Section of the FBI Counterterrorism Division via email at ... FBI INTERNAL USE ONLY UNCLASSIFIED//LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

This image presents a mock FBI internal-use guide cataloging symbols allegedly associated with militia violent extremism, including the Boogaloo, anarcho-capitalist flags, the Punisher skull, “2A,” “Molon Labe,” the Gadsden flag, and Revolutionary War imagery. The joke is that ordinary political, historical, and internet symbols are framed in exaggerated bureaucratic language as suspicious extremist indicators, parodying government threat-assessment documents and their overclassification. It is shared as a satirical reaction to official-looking overreach, political labeling, or the idea that commonplace symbols are evidence of extremism.

• @sbunem / 26464 2022-08-04