She Anticipated Jan. 6. Now She Has New Concerns.
The founder of a private intelligence firm reports an increase in far-right extremist activities ahead of the upcoming election.
TroibNews 
As a mob of Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, Rita Katz felt a mix of sickness and a lack of surprise. Katz, who operates SITE Intelligence Group, an organization dedicated to tracking online extremism, had been closely monitoring an uptick in discussions hinting at potential violence surrounding the Electoral College certification. Far-right extremists had openly discussed plans to confront police, bring firearms to Capitol Hill, and breach the chambers of Congress.
Despite SITE issuing multiple alerts to its subscribers, including law enforcement and national security agencies worldwide, the violence caught Capitol Police and the Pentagon unprepared.
Now, in an interview with PMG Magazine, Katz expresses that the threats posed during the upcoming 2024 election cycle differ from those of four years ago—and are, in certain ways, even more severe.
“How proactive and organized the far right has become—that is very, very alarming for me,” she stated.
Speaking in her personal capacity and not as a company representative, Katz cautioned that along with the risk of election-related violence, extremists are also aiming to become poll watchers and intimidate legal immigrants at the polls. This activity unfolds in a climate where Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, has significantly loosened content moderation policies, allowing dangerous conspiracy theories to thrive more than ever.
“You have safe havens for these communities where they become more radical,” she noted, “with more conspiracy theories and more calls for violence to overthrow the government.”
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
**Tell me about how your group tracks extremists online.**
We target extremist communities by immersing ourselves where their followers congregate. We don’t just search online for extremist spaces. When I founded SITE in 2002, our approach was to be in the thick of these communities and observe them. As they migrate to different platforms, we follow them. Essentially, SITE goes wherever they go.
**You were early to spotlight threats from the far right ahead of January 6. How does October 2024 compare to October 2020?**
The differences are significant: how proactive and organized the far right has become is truly alarming for me. They are using the same platforms that facilitated the preparation for January 6—one key platform being The Donald, which has now rebranded as the Patriots. We’re witnessing an enormous rise in conspiracy theories and predictions of civil war. What is notable today is a clearly organized and mobilized election process, reminiscent of Stop the Steal, but it commenced much earlier.
Stop the Steal on The Donald platform emerged after the 2020 election, predicated on a belief that they had won and that something had gone awry with the voting. They now feel a need to be proactive and believe they must do everything possible to avert another perceived theft. The organization we see now resembles the effort around Stop the Steal but is masquerading as Protect the Vote. The Republican Party is heavily invested in Protect the Vote initiatives, and far-right factions are eagerly joining the cause. They’ve initiated their own efforts to mobilize poll watchers, representing a high degree of organization that began as early as March, complete with resources about how to get involved across election centers nationwide.
Another worrying factor distinguishing this election from the last is that Trump now has more social media platforms and various Silicon Valley entities at his side. These are organizations wielding some of the most advanced social engineering tools available, alongside major traditional media outlets. They appear to be aligning with him, whether out of fear, agreement, or just business considerations. They recognize that if Trump secures another term, they need to stay in his good graces. The risk of endorsing Kamala Harris becomes disproportionately high, showcasing characteristics often seen in fascist regimes.
**When individuals claim they are registering as poll watchers and election observers, do you take them at their word, or do you view them as mere keyboard warriors?**
I find no reason not to believe them. They asserted they would be traveling to January 6. They declared intentions to hang Mike Pence. Almost everything they predicted came to fruition. There is no reason to doubt their claims. Some already identify as poll watchers. Within their communities, they are mobilizing and organizing without reason to lie. Even if one person is fabricating their involvement, others may take that as truth and feel compelled to follow suit.
**Are you observing calls for violence and planning within the same channels and platforms?**
We’re observing a significantly higher volume this time, particularly concerning poll watchers, elections, and accusations of fraud. This activity started much earlier, compounded by a belief that the previous election was compromised. They attribute any shortcomings to their failure to protect the election and are consequently advocating for increased violence against perceived enemies from the Democrats. They have a deep distrust in the legitimacy of the upcoming election, which has escalated calls for violence. A noteworthy difference this time is the social media landscape. For instance, under Elon Musk, Twitter has become a haven for far-right rhetoric.
Conspiracy theories are celebrated on Twitter now. In 2020, the platform had more regulatory measures in place; far-right accounts were restricted, particularly before the election. The situation is starkly different now.
Moreover, they have established organized spaces on Telegram. These communities can radicalize further without moderation, fostering an environment conducive to heightened calls for violence against the government.
**How are the extremists you track evolving their strategies and tactics?**
Their strategy has shifted from a reactive stance of “stop the steal” post-election to a proactive approach that begins well before the election, coming equipped with a premeditated strategy.
**You mentioned poll watching as a new topic compared to the previous election cycle. Are there other specific actions being planned that weren't present before the 2020 election?**
Intimidation of immigrants is rampant. There’s a belief among some that many immigrants vote unjustly. They are even contemplating intimidating individuals on Election Day at polling sites, demanding proof of their right to vote—essentially harassing voters.
There are also discussions surrounding vandalism of ballot drop-boxes, with organized workshops on suggestions for how to execute that.
**What do you perceive as Donald Trump’s connection to all this?**
That’s a complex issue. When they hear phrases like “Stop the Steal,” they are echoing Trump. He initiates the rhetoric, shapes the tone, and directs language aimed at these communities. He has a hand in feeding these groups. When he asserts the need to “protect the vote” or claims that “the election was stolen,” they respond strongly.
**What are your top two or three concerns for Election Day through Inauguration?**
I’m deeply concerned about potential violence on Election Day and voter intimidation. However, I’m particularly fearful of the aftermath once a winner is declared. If Harris rises victorious, a significant number of Americans are likely to reject the results. A notable faction might resort to violence to express their beliefs, especially if Trump signals them to act.
During the 2020 election cycle, Trump did send such signals. I see no reason he wouldn’t do it again, and he may feel a heightened imperative this time, as it could very well be his last election.
**Do you harbor concerns about violence from the opposite end of the political spectrum if Trump secures victory?**
There is certainly potential for unrest from groups like Antifa; however, I am far less worried about violent actions from Democrats should Trump win. The scale of violence and lawlessness we’ve seen from the far right, encouraged by Trump, eclipses anything we might anticipate from the left. Many individuals accountable for January 6 cited Trump’s directive as their motivation.
**What should state and local law enforcement be doing to prepare for the election and its aftermath?**
January 6 was not an intelligence failure but rather a failure to take appropriate action. Today, I believe government agencies are taking proactive measures to avoid repeating that scenario. They seem much more prepared and likely to respond swiftly if anything resembling that event begins to manifest.
**Do you expect the 2024 election—encompassing everything from now until Inauguration Day—to be more or less tumultuous than 2020?**
Predicting that hinges on whether Trump accepts the results. However, I anticipate that things will not be peaceful. If there are incitements to violence, we could witness even worse circumstances than before.
With figures like Elon Musk managing platforms like Twitter, if he disputes the outcome, we could see significant chaos. Our social fabric and discourse are already inclined toward upheaval, challenging law enforcement's ability to maintain order. After Trump tweeted “It will be wild” in relation to his January 6 rally, his account was later suspended. But today, there’s no one to take down incendiary tweets.
Many in the far-right community have migrated to alternative platforms like Telegram and Parler. In contrast, Twitter now serves as a prominent voice for far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories. With radicalized individuals coming together in unmoderated spaces, the potential for further radicalization only increases. Coupled with Trump’s engagement with these communities, it is challenging to foresee a scenario where violence does not escalate.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Despite SITE issuing multiple alerts to its subscribers, including law enforcement and national security agencies worldwide, the violence caught Capitol Police and the Pentagon unprepared.
Now, in an interview with PMG Magazine, Katz expresses that the threats posed during the upcoming 2024 election cycle differ from those of four years ago—and are, in certain ways, even more severe.
“How proactive and organized the far right has become—that is very, very alarming for me,” she stated.
Speaking in her personal capacity and not as a company representative, Katz cautioned that along with the risk of election-related violence, extremists are also aiming to become poll watchers and intimidate legal immigrants at the polls. This activity unfolds in a climate where Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, has significantly loosened content moderation policies, allowing dangerous conspiracy theories to thrive more than ever.
“You have safe havens for these communities where they become more radical,” she noted, “with more conspiracy theories and more calls for violence to overthrow the government.”
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
**Tell me about how your group tracks extremists online.**
We target extremist communities by immersing ourselves where their followers congregate. We don’t just search online for extremist spaces. When I founded SITE in 2002, our approach was to be in the thick of these communities and observe them. As they migrate to different platforms, we follow them. Essentially, SITE goes wherever they go.
**You were early to spotlight threats from the far right ahead of January 6. How does October 2024 compare to October 2020?**
The differences are significant: how proactive and organized the far right has become is truly alarming for me. They are using the same platforms that facilitated the preparation for January 6—one key platform being The Donald, which has now rebranded as the Patriots. We’re witnessing an enormous rise in conspiracy theories and predictions of civil war. What is notable today is a clearly organized and mobilized election process, reminiscent of Stop the Steal, but it commenced much earlier.
Stop the Steal on The Donald platform emerged after the 2020 election, predicated on a belief that they had won and that something had gone awry with the voting. They now feel a need to be proactive and believe they must do everything possible to avert another perceived theft. The organization we see now resembles the effort around Stop the Steal but is masquerading as Protect the Vote. The Republican Party is heavily invested in Protect the Vote initiatives, and far-right factions are eagerly joining the cause. They’ve initiated their own efforts to mobilize poll watchers, representing a high degree of organization that began as early as March, complete with resources about how to get involved across election centers nationwide.
Another worrying factor distinguishing this election from the last is that Trump now has more social media platforms and various Silicon Valley entities at his side. These are organizations wielding some of the most advanced social engineering tools available, alongside major traditional media outlets. They appear to be aligning with him, whether out of fear, agreement, or just business considerations. They recognize that if Trump secures another term, they need to stay in his good graces. The risk of endorsing Kamala Harris becomes disproportionately high, showcasing characteristics often seen in fascist regimes.
**When individuals claim they are registering as poll watchers and election observers, do you take them at their word, or do you view them as mere keyboard warriors?**
I find no reason not to believe them. They asserted they would be traveling to January 6. They declared intentions to hang Mike Pence. Almost everything they predicted came to fruition. There is no reason to doubt their claims. Some already identify as poll watchers. Within their communities, they are mobilizing and organizing without reason to lie. Even if one person is fabricating their involvement, others may take that as truth and feel compelled to follow suit.
**Are you observing calls for violence and planning within the same channels and platforms?**
We’re observing a significantly higher volume this time, particularly concerning poll watchers, elections, and accusations of fraud. This activity started much earlier, compounded by a belief that the previous election was compromised. They attribute any shortcomings to their failure to protect the election and are consequently advocating for increased violence against perceived enemies from the Democrats. They have a deep distrust in the legitimacy of the upcoming election, which has escalated calls for violence. A noteworthy difference this time is the social media landscape. For instance, under Elon Musk, Twitter has become a haven for far-right rhetoric.
Conspiracy theories are celebrated on Twitter now. In 2020, the platform had more regulatory measures in place; far-right accounts were restricted, particularly before the election. The situation is starkly different now.
Moreover, they have established organized spaces on Telegram. These communities can radicalize further without moderation, fostering an environment conducive to heightened calls for violence against the government.
**How are the extremists you track evolving their strategies and tactics?**
Their strategy has shifted from a reactive stance of “stop the steal” post-election to a proactive approach that begins well before the election, coming equipped with a premeditated strategy.
**You mentioned poll watching as a new topic compared to the previous election cycle. Are there other specific actions being planned that weren't present before the 2020 election?**
Intimidation of immigrants is rampant. There’s a belief among some that many immigrants vote unjustly. They are even contemplating intimidating individuals on Election Day at polling sites, demanding proof of their right to vote—essentially harassing voters.
There are also discussions surrounding vandalism of ballot drop-boxes, with organized workshops on suggestions for how to execute that.
**What do you perceive as Donald Trump’s connection to all this?**
That’s a complex issue. When they hear phrases like “Stop the Steal,” they are echoing Trump. He initiates the rhetoric, shapes the tone, and directs language aimed at these communities. He has a hand in feeding these groups. When he asserts the need to “protect the vote” or claims that “the election was stolen,” they respond strongly.
**What are your top two or three concerns for Election Day through Inauguration?**
I’m deeply concerned about potential violence on Election Day and voter intimidation. However, I’m particularly fearful of the aftermath once a winner is declared. If Harris rises victorious, a significant number of Americans are likely to reject the results. A notable faction might resort to violence to express their beliefs, especially if Trump signals them to act.
During the 2020 election cycle, Trump did send such signals. I see no reason he wouldn’t do it again, and he may feel a heightened imperative this time, as it could very well be his last election.
**Do you harbor concerns about violence from the opposite end of the political spectrum if Trump secures victory?**
There is certainly potential for unrest from groups like Antifa; however, I am far less worried about violent actions from Democrats should Trump win. The scale of violence and lawlessness we’ve seen from the far right, encouraged by Trump, eclipses anything we might anticipate from the left. Many individuals accountable for January 6 cited Trump’s directive as their motivation.
**What should state and local law enforcement be doing to prepare for the election and its aftermath?**
January 6 was not an intelligence failure but rather a failure to take appropriate action. Today, I believe government agencies are taking proactive measures to avoid repeating that scenario. They seem much more prepared and likely to respond swiftly if anything resembling that event begins to manifest.
**Do you expect the 2024 election—encompassing everything from now until Inauguration Day—to be more or less tumultuous than 2020?**
Predicting that hinges on whether Trump accepts the results. However, I anticipate that things will not be peaceful. If there are incitements to violence, we could witness even worse circumstances than before.
With figures like Elon Musk managing platforms like Twitter, if he disputes the outcome, we could see significant chaos. Our social fabric and discourse are already inclined toward upheaval, challenging law enforcement's ability to maintain order. After Trump tweeted “It will be wild” in relation to his January 6 rally, his account was later suspended. But today, there’s no one to take down incendiary tweets.
Many in the far-right community have migrated to alternative platforms like Telegram and Parler. In contrast, Twitter now serves as a prominent voice for far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories. With radicalized individuals coming together in unmoderated spaces, the potential for further radicalization only increases. Coupled with Trump’s engagement with these communities, it is challenging to foresee a scenario where violence does not escalate.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
