Apple News In Conversation An FBI agent went undercover in America’s extremist groups. Here’s what he learned.
Jun 12, 2025
Scott Payne, a retired FBI agent, spent over two decades infiltrating dangerous extremist and criminal groups, including neo-Nazis and motorcycle gangs. He shares gripping accounts of the emotional toll his work took on him while navigating the dark world of hate. Payne exposes the alarming recruitment strategies of extremist groups and describes harrowing events, such as extremist hate camps. His insights stress the urgent need to understand and combat the growing threat of domestic extremism in America.
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Close Call in Outlaws Gang
- Scott Payne had a close call in a basement with the Outlaws gang when asked to strip and searched for his wire.
- He stayed calm, answered questions with fake details, and narrowly avoided being discovered.
Undercover Work Means Betrayal
- Undercover work means building relationships you expect to betray eventually.
- Genuine bonds can form and even endure after arrests, highlighting the complex nature of undercover work.
First Responder Burnout Reality
- First responders face high rates of suicide, divorce, and substance abuse due to job stress.
- The warrior mentality helps in the field but can be detrimental if over-applied to life.
