Extremist online groups blending satanic and neo-Nazi ideologies have radicalized vulnerable youth, culminating in a shocking mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church—and law enforcement’s struggle to keep pace is exposing major gaps in protecting American families and constitutional values.
Online Extremist Networks: Roots and Methods
Extremist groups like “764,” “COM,” and “Order of the Nine Angles” have evolved from a disturbing blend of satanic and neo-Nazi ideologies. Founded in 2021 by Bradley Cadenhead, the “764” network draws heavily on the British occult group O9A and the infamous Columbine shooting subculture. These groups use encrypted platforms such as Discord and Telegram to operate globally and recruit vulnerable teens, especially those struggling with gender identity or mental health. Their tactics involve grooming, extortion, and incitement to violence, making detection and intervention difficult for authorities.
Law enforcement has responded by opening hundreds of investigations, but the groups’ decentralized, leaderless cell structure makes infiltration and prosecution a significant challenge. Notably, the FBI and DOJ have now classified “764” and its subgroups as “Tier One” terrorism threats. The rapid migration of these networks across platforms, coupled with their use of mainstream sites like Roblox and TikTok, complicates monitoring efforts. These groups are linked not only to radicalization but also to grooming and extortion schemes targeting minors.
Minneapolis Massacre: Consequences and Victims
The August 2025 mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church, perpetrated by 23-year-old Robin Westman, underscores the deadly impact of online radicalization. Westman, reportedly influenced by these extremist networks, killed two children and injured 17 others. The incident follows a disturbing pattern: previous attacks, including the Nashville Covenant School shooting in 2023, have also involved perpetrators radicalized by similar online subcultures. Victims and their families face immediate trauma, while communities grapple with the long-term consequences of unchecked online extremism.
These attacks have intensified public concern over youth safety and online radicalization. The broader implications include increased strain on law enforcement and mental health resources, as well as renewed debates about the role of tech platforms in moderating encrypted spaces. The targeting of transgender and other marginalized youth by these groups has also fueled social and political polarization, raising questions about how best to protect vulnerable Americans without infringing on constitutional freedoms.
Law Enforcement and Tech Platform Response
In response to growing threats, the FBI has launched at least 250 investigations tied to “764” activities, citing thousands of potential victims. Major arrests, such as those of Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal for leading “764 Inferno,” represent progress but highlight the ongoing challenges in dismantling these networks. Tech platforms claim to have removed hundreds of related groups and are investing in AI moderation tools; however, the encrypted, invite-only nature of these spaces allows extremists to evade detection and continue recruitment efforts. Law enforcement remains largely reactive, struggling to adapt to the rapid evolution of online radicalization tactics.
Inside the secret satanic and Nazi groups that 'inspired' disturbed transgender shooter to commit Minneapolis massacre – and target more teens every day | Daily Mail Online https://t.co/yBGU7Hn8bJ
— InCognito 🤫 (@nCogneeeto) August 29, 2025
Experts emphasize the need for nuanced, evidence-based strategies that balance youth protection with the preservation of constitutional rights. While some experts caution against overgeneralizing the link between gender identity and radicalization, investigative journalists and law enforcement stress that these groups deliberately exploit vulnerable individuals for ideological and nihilistic reasons. The persistence of these networks and their growing sophistication demand coordinated action from government, tech companies, and communities to safeguard American families and core values.
Sources:
ABC News: What we know about Minnesota school shooting suspect Robin Westman