The Virginia National Guard launches an investigation into two soldiers accused of running an anti-government militia, raising concerns about extremism within military ranks.
At a Glance
- Virginia National Guard investigates Staff Sgts. Daniel Abbott and Alexandra Griffeth for alleged involvement in the Campbell County Militia
- The militia operates with approval from Campbell County’s Board of Supervisors
- Army Secretary Christine Wormuth recently issued a policy prohibiting soldiers from participating in anti-government activities
- The investigation aims to determine if the soldiers’ actions violate military regulations
Virginia National Guard Launches Investigation
The Virginia National Guard has initiated an investigation into two of its members, Staff Sgts. Daniel Abbott and Alexandra Griffeth, following reports of their involvement in running the Campbell County Militia. This rural anti-government group operates in the Lynchburg area with the approval of the Campbell County Board of Supervisors. The investigation comes amid growing concerns about the infiltration of extremist ideologies into military operations.
Virginia National Guard spokesman A.A. Puryear confirmed the investigation, stating that they are “aware” of the soldiers’ militia activities and “will take appropriate action, in accordance with U.S. Army guidelines and directives, once the investigation is complete.” This response underscores the military’s commitment to addressing potential extremism within its ranks.
2 Virginia Guardsmen Are Running a Rural Anti-Government Militia https://t.co/Fr77Ox5tGa
— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) September 5, 2024
Allegations and Concerns
Military.com’s review of militia meeting videos revealed troubling content, including threats against the federal government and preparations for potential conflict. In one particularly concerning statement, Abbott reportedly declared, “Our own government is the greatest threat to our safety and security.” Such rhetoric raises questions about the soldiers’ ability to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution.
“Our own government is the greatest threat to our safety and security,” Abbott said at one event earlier this year. “Power is akin to force. I would argue there are only two [forces] man has direct access to. One of those is violence … [and] the threat of violence.”
The Campbell County Militia’s activities have gained local support, with the county’s Board of Supervisors recognizing it as “a barrier against tyrannical government” in a 2020 vote. This official recognition adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as it blurs the line between constitutionally protected activities and potential extremism.
Army Policy and Implications
The investigation comes in the wake of a new policy issued by Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, which explicitly forbids soldiers from participating in radical causes, including anti-government activities. This policy prohibits threats of violence against the government and actions aimed at overthrowing the government by force or unlawful means.
“Active participation in extremist activities can be prohibited even in some circumstances in which such activities would be constitutionally protected in a civilian setting,” Wormuth penned in a memo at the time of the policy’s release. “Extremism calls into question a soldier’s ability to follow orders from, or effectively lead and serve with, persons of diverse backgrounds, and it prevents maximum utilization and development of the Army’s most valuable asset — its people.”
The investigation into Abbott and Griffeth highlights the challenges faced by military leadership in balancing service members’ constitutional rights with the need to maintain order and discipline within the ranks. As the Virginia National Guard proceeds with its inquiry, the outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially impacting military policies nationwide.
