Apple News In Conversation

He infiltrated America’s militias — and then spilled their secrets

20 snips
Jan 23, 2025
Joshua Kaplan, a ProPublica reporter, dives into the tumultuous world of American militias. He discusses the ramifications of Donald Trump's pardons, which have reignited militia activity, highlighting experiences of an undercover operative who infiltrated these groups. Kaplan reveals the dual nature of militias — part community clubs, part paramilitary organizations — and the dangers of extremism, illustrated by a former member's struggle to leave. The conversation also explores the troubling connection between law enforcement and militia affiliations.
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INSIGHT

Pardons Empower Militias

  • Trump's pardons of January 6th rioters, including militia leaders, signal support for the movement.
  • This support reverses the expected backlash and potentially empowers these groups.
ANECDOTE

Oklahoma City Bombing

  • The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 caused the militia movement to go dormant for over a decade.
  • Many expected a similar decline after January 6th, but Trump's actions changed the narrative.
INSIGHT

The Infiltrator

  • ProPublica reporter Joshua Kaplan received an anonymous email from "John Williams," a militia infiltrator.
  • Williams aimed to expose and damage the militia movement from within, motivated by the January 6th attacks.
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