As allegations of unauthorized militia activities by National Guardsmen come to light, the Virginia National Guard launches an investigation that could have far-reaching implications.
At a Glance
- The Virginia National Guard investigates two soldiers for engaging in unauthorized militia activities.
- Staff Sgt. Daniel Abbott and Staff Sgt. Alexandra Griffeth are under scrutiny for leading the Campbell County Militia with anti-government sentiments.
- The Campbell County Militia has received backing from the local government but stands accused of making threats against the federal government.
- A recent policy prohibits soldiers from participating in extremist activities, highlighting the severity of such allegations.
Militia Activities Spark Investigation
The Virginia National Guard is investigating two of its soldiers, Staff Sgt. Daniel Abbott and Staff Sgt. Alexandra Griffeth, for allegedly involving themselves in anti-government militia activities. The pair are leaders of the Campbell County Militia, a group operating around Lynchburg, Virginia. The militia, which has publicly made threats against the federal government, has garnered approval from Campbell County’s Board of Supervisors. These activities raise serious questions about the adherence to military regulations and the safety of the public.
Virginia National Guard spokesman A.A. Puryear confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “The VNG will take appropriate action, in accordance with U.S. Army guidelines and directives, once the investigation is complete.” Military.com reviewed militia meeting videos and found Abbott not only making threats against the federal government but also preparing the militia for potential conflict, describing the U.S. government as the greatest threat to safety and security. Such statements and actions are blatantly prohibited under current U.S. Army policies.
https://twitter.com/stevenbeynon%3Flang%3Den
Policy Violations Bring Scrutiny
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has recently implemented policies prohibiting soldiers from participating in radical causes, including anti-government activities and threats of violence against the government. The Virginia National Guard investigation aims to determine if Abbott and Griffeth’s roles in the Campbell County Militia are in violation of these new directives. The policy’s intent is to prevent extremist views from affecting the Army’s ability to function cohesively and maintain public trust.
“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 stated in a memo. “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 Campbell County Militia, formally recognized by the local government in 2020, has made discourse on defending against a tyrannical government a central theme. Despite Abbott’s claim that his statements about the militia being a military organization were taken out of context, the recorded threats and preparations for armed conflict tell a different story. Abbott contends that the CCM is a legal entity under Virginia law and has openly discussed his involvement with senior officers without prior reprimand.
Two noncommissioned officers in the Virginia Army National Guard run a county-approved militia, that has made overt threats against the government. https://t.co/XIZJRO9Vxu
In August, #Hatewatch covered the history of the antigovernment militia movement: https://t.co/kLn7ewcpgj
— Southern Poverty Law Center (@splcenter) September 9, 2024
Community and Legal Ramifications
The investigation sheds light on broader issues with how the Virginia National Guard addresses allegations of extremism within its ranks. Previous similar cases, such as the one involving Jacob Fracker who participated in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, show a pattern of delayed response. This underscores the importance of immediate and thorough investigations to maintain discipline and public confidence in the Guard.
“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 National Guard’s action or inaction will significantly impact its reputation and trust with the community it serves. The findings of this investigation and the consequent actions taken against Abbott and Griffeth will serve as a precedent, potentially influencing national policies on managing extremist behavior within military ranks.
https://twitter.com/vanationalguard%3Flang%3Den
The Role of Leadership
Accountability extends to leadership levels within the National Guard. Maj. Gen. James Ring, the new commander of the Virginia Guard, will need to ensure that codes of conduct are rigorously enforced. Implementing and adhering to these policies will ensure that the Guard remains a professional, unified force committed to the nation’s defense and public safety.
“I’ve had conversations with all sorts of senior officers, all the way up through the chain of command, about my involvement,” Abbott claimed. His frustration over the investigation, describing it as a “witch hunt,” does not overshadow the genuine concerns surrounding militia engagements and their implications on national security.
As this investigation progresses, the community will be watching closely for an outcome that emphasizes the values of professionalism, legal adherence, and public safety, ensuring that our trusted institutions uphold the highest standards.
