Program On Extremism
@gwupoe.bsky.social
The Program on Extremism at George Washington University. Analysis and policy solutions on radicalization, terrorism and extremism. Launched June 2015.
📍Washington, DC 🔗 extremism.gwu.edu
📍Washington, DC 🔗 extremism.gwu.edu
Pinned
Program On Extremism
@gwupoe.bsky.social
· Aug 14
Program on Extremism 10 year anniversary
YouTube video by Program on Extremism at GWU
youtu.be
We’re turning 10! Since 2015, the Program on Extremism has been at the forefront of extremism research, training, & policy. From groundbreaking reports to global impact, it’s been a decade of purpose, progress, and partnership!
🎙️Episode 22 INTIFADA: Hamas in the US is out
This episode features a teen whose mother was murdered atop him on Oct 7, 2023 and activist Maya Roman on the attacks in Kibbutz Be'eri. We end by revisiting CAIR director Nihad Awad’s Oct 7 remarks.
This episode features a teen whose mother was murdered atop him on Oct 7, 2023 and activist Maya Roman on the attacks in Kibbutz Be'eri. We end by revisiting CAIR director Nihad Awad’s Oct 7 remarks.
Episode 22: The Unfolding of Tragedy
YouTube video by INTIFADA: HAMAS in the US
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:19 PM
🎙️Episode 22 INTIFADA: Hamas in the US is out
This episode features a teen whose mother was murdered atop him on Oct 7, 2023 and activist Maya Roman on the attacks in Kibbutz Be'eri. We end by revisiting CAIR director Nihad Awad’s Oct 7 remarks.
This episode features a teen whose mother was murdered atop him on Oct 7, 2023 and activist Maya Roman on the attacks in Kibbutz Be'eri. We end by revisiting CAIR director Nihad Awad’s Oct 7 remarks.
Expressen’s investigation reveals a web of Muslim Brotherhood-run schools in Sweden accused of welfare fraud, siphoning over 1 billion SEK. Key figures - some convicted, others wanted - have now fled abroad, leaving 33 million in unpaid taxes.
www.expressen.se/nyheter/sver...
www.expressen.se/nyheter/sver...
Fick miljard till barn – nu flyr de Sverige
Över en miljard i skattemedel har gått till skolor och förskolor i ett islamistiskt nätverk förenat av gemensamma släktband, kriminella affärer och välfärdsbrott. Nu flyr nyckelpersonerna landet – en ...
www.expressen.se
November 19, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Expressen’s investigation reveals a web of Muslim Brotherhood-run schools in Sweden accused of welfare fraud, siphoning over 1 billion SEK. Key figures - some convicted, others wanted - have now fled abroad, leaving 33 million in unpaid taxes.
www.expressen.se/nyheter/sver...
www.expressen.se/nyheter/sver...
Texas governor Abbott has designated CAIR & MB as FTOs, citing our research that links CAIR to efforts by the US-based Hamas network to operate under new guises
gov.texas.gov
November 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Texas governor Abbott has designated CAIR & MB as FTOs, citing our research that links CAIR to efforts by the US-based Hamas network to operate under new guises
⚖️ Case update: Yesterday, Michail Chkhikvishvili, aka "Commander Butcher," and leader of the Nihilist Violent Extremist (NVE) group Maniac Murder Cult, pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions to make bombs and ricin.
Leader of White Supremacist Group Pleads Guilty to Soliciting Hate Crimes and Sending Instructions to Make Bombs and Ricin
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher,” pleaded guilty to soliciting hate...
www.justice.gov
November 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
⚖️ Case update: Yesterday, Michail Chkhikvishvili, aka "Commander Butcher," and leader of the Nihilist Violent Extremist (NVE) group Maniac Murder Cult, pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions to make bombs and ricin.
📢 We’re hiring Spring Research Assistants (Jan–May)!
This paid, term-limited role is open to students and recent grads from GWU and beyond. RAs support research on terrorism/extremism, produce analytic products, and maintain databases.
📍Hybrid; DC on-site required.
🔗 www.gwu.jobs/postings/122...
This paid, term-limited role is open to students and recent grads from GWU and beyond. RAs support research on terrorism/extremism, produce analytic products, and maintain databases.
📍Hybrid; DC on-site required.
🔗 www.gwu.jobs/postings/122...
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
November 17, 2025 at 4:39 PM
📢 We’re hiring Spring Research Assistants (Jan–May)!
This paid, term-limited role is open to students and recent grads from GWU and beyond. RAs support research on terrorism/extremism, produce analytic products, and maintain databases.
📍Hybrid; DC on-site required.
🔗 www.gwu.jobs/postings/122...
This paid, term-limited role is open to students and recent grads from GWU and beyond. RAs support research on terrorism/extremism, produce analytic products, and maintain databases.
📍Hybrid; DC on-site required.
🔗 www.gwu.jobs/postings/122...
PoE staff Lara Burns, David Collins, and Barry Jonas explain in their latest article, "Fighting Peace," how Hamas and its US-based support network have continually undermined peace agreements between Israel and Arab states. Read it here 👇
Fighting Peace | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Authored by Lara Burns, Barry Jonas and David Collins
extremism.gwu.edu
November 14, 2025 at 5:29 PM
PoE staff Lara Burns, David Collins, and Barry Jonas explain in their latest article, "Fighting Peace," how Hamas and its US-based support network have continually undermined peace agreements between Israel and Arab states. Read it here 👇
Senior Research Fellow Dr. Sergio Altuna Galan (@altuna.bsky.social) sat down with Dr. Djallil Lounnas to discuss recent gains by JNIM in Mali and the Sahel more broadly. You can watch his interview here 👇
Is Bamako on the Brink of a Jihadist Takeover?
YouTube video by Program on Extremism at GWU
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Senior Research Fellow Dr. Sergio Altuna Galan (@altuna.bsky.social) sat down with Dr. Djallil Lounnas to discuss recent gains by JNIM in Mali and the Sahel more broadly. You can watch his interview here 👇
There's still time to register for tomorrow's event! Be sure to join a captivating discussion with Dr. Matthew Levitt, Alexandra Hughes, and Edmund Fitton-Brown, moderated by Senior Research Fellow Barry Jonas. You can sign up using the link below!
extremism.gwu.edu/congress-and...
extremism.gwu.edu/congress-and...
Congress and the Muslim Brotherhood | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Featuring Matthew Levitt, Edmund Fitton-Brown, and Alexandra Hughes; moderated by Senior Research Fellow Barry Jonas.
extremism.gwu.edu
November 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
There's still time to register for tomorrow's event! Be sure to join a captivating discussion with Dr. Matthew Levitt, Alexandra Hughes, and Edmund Fitton-Brown, moderated by Senior Research Fellow Barry Jonas. You can sign up using the link below!
extremism.gwu.edu/congress-and...
extremism.gwu.edu/congress-and...
📢 Join us Nov 12, 2025, 3-4 PM ET for “Congress and the Muslim Brotherhood: Issues, Debates, and Policy Perspectives.”
Experts Matthew Levitt & Edmund Fitton-Brown will join Barry Jonas to unpack recent FTO designation efforts.
Experts Matthew Levitt & Edmund Fitton-Brown will join Barry Jonas to unpack recent FTO designation efforts.
Congress and the Muslim Brotherhood | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Featuring Matthew Levitt and Edmund Fitton-Brown; moderated by Senior Research Fellow Barry Jonas.
extremism.gwu.edu
November 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
📢 Join us Nov 12, 2025, 3-4 PM ET for “Congress and the Muslim Brotherhood: Issues, Debates, and Policy Perspectives.”
Experts Matthew Levitt & Edmund Fitton-Brown will join Barry Jonas to unpack recent FTO designation efforts.
Experts Matthew Levitt & Edmund Fitton-Brown will join Barry Jonas to unpack recent FTO designation efforts.
Our new publication, CAIR—Why History is Important, examines reports that CAIR-Ohio Director Tuurani joined an online event with Hamas official Majed al-Zeer, revealing how CAIR obscures its history and affiliations.
CAIR—Why History is Important | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Authored by Lara Burns, Barry Jonas and David Collins
extremism.gwu.edu
November 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Our new publication, CAIR—Why History is Important, examines reports that CAIR-Ohio Director Tuurani joined an online event with Hamas official Majed al-Zeer, revealing how CAIR obscures its history and affiliations.
🎙️Ep 21 INTIFADA: Hamas in the US is out now
Covers the Oct 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli Kibbutsim - especially Kfar Aza’s tragic losses. Since filming, 2 Kfar Aza hostages were freed after 2+ years, and the US arrested a suspect tied to the attacks.
Covers the Oct 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli Kibbutsim - especially Kfar Aza’s tragic losses. Since filming, 2 Kfar Aza hostages were freed after 2+ years, and the US arrested a suspect tied to the attacks.
Episode 21: The Unimaginable
YouTube video by INTIFADA: HAMAS in the US
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:40 PM
🎙️Ep 21 INTIFADA: Hamas in the US is out now
Covers the Oct 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli Kibbutsim - especially Kfar Aza’s tragic losses. Since filming, 2 Kfar Aza hostages were freed after 2+ years, and the US arrested a suspect tied to the attacks.
Covers the Oct 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli Kibbutsim - especially Kfar Aza’s tragic losses. Since filming, 2 Kfar Aza hostages were freed after 2+ years, and the US arrested a suspect tied to the attacks.
📄 New report by senior researchers @altuna.bsky.social & David Zimmermann:
American cleric Ahmad Musa Jibril has become one of the most influential extremist agitators online—merging Salafi authority, legal training, and digital reach to radicalize audiences across borders.
American cleric Ahmad Musa Jibril has become one of the most influential extremist agitators online—merging Salafi authority, legal training, and digital reach to radicalize audiences across borders.
October 28, 2025 at 11:52 AM
📄 New report by senior researchers @altuna.bsky.social & David Zimmermann:
American cleric Ahmad Musa Jibril has become one of the most influential extremist agitators online—merging Salafi authority, legal training, and digital reach to radicalize audiences across borders.
American cleric Ahmad Musa Jibril has become one of the most influential extremist agitators online—merging Salafi authority, legal training, and digital reach to radicalize audiences across borders.
CAIR’s latest response to congressional scrutiny follows a familiar pattern of denial & deflection. Despite their claims, court records from the HLF case showed ample evidence of their associations with Hamas-linked entities- facts that can’t be rewritten.
CAIR’s Familiar Dance: Denial and Deflection in the Face of Scrutiny | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Authored by Barry Jonas and Lara Burns
extremism.gwu.edu
October 27, 2025 at 1:50 PM
CAIR’s latest response to congressional scrutiny follows a familiar pattern of denial & deflection. Despite their claims, court records from the HLF case showed ample evidence of their associations with Hamas-linked entities- facts that can’t be rewritten.
‼️Alleged pro-Hamas Oct. 7 attacker living in Louisiana arrested by FBI
“I believe it’s only the first [arrest], of probably a few, that we will see like this,” said Head of Terrorism Research Lara Burns, who investigated Hamas for eight years.
“I believe it’s only the first [arrest], of probably a few, that we will see like this,” said Head of Terrorism Research Lara Burns, who investigated Hamas for eight years.
Alleged pro-Hamas Oct. 7 attacker living in Louisiana arrested by FBI
The FBI has arrested a suspect in Louisiana who allegedly participated in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
nypost.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:29 PM
‼️Alleged pro-Hamas Oct. 7 attacker living in Louisiana arrested by FBI
“I believe it’s only the first [arrest], of probably a few, that we will see like this,” said Head of Terrorism Research Lara Burns, who investigated Hamas for eight years.
“I believe it’s only the first [arrest], of probably a few, that we will see like this,” said Head of Terrorism Research Lara Burns, who investigated Hamas for eight years.
Come join us for this webinar! We're starting soon!
extremism.gwu.edu/inside-us-ho...
extremism.gwu.edu/inside-us-ho...
Inside the U.S. Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Featuring Rajiv Maan; moderated by David Collins.
extremism.gwu.edu
October 16, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Come join us for this webinar! We're starting soon!
extremism.gwu.edu/inside-us-ho...
extremism.gwu.edu/inside-us-ho...
📄 New report: AMP Faces New Legal Challenges
The DOJ’s civil case acts as a warning shot - tempering free speech concerns while signaling tougher charges may come. In Virginia, AMP’s refusal to comply with a financial probe could backfire if a civil or criminal case is filed.
The DOJ’s civil case acts as a warning shot - tempering free speech concerns while signaling tougher charges may come. In Virginia, AMP’s refusal to comply with a financial probe could backfire if a civil or criminal case is filed.
American Muslims for Palestine faces new legal challenges | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Authored Barry Jonas and David Collins
extremism.gwu.edu
October 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
📄 New report: AMP Faces New Legal Challenges
The DOJ’s civil case acts as a warning shot - tempering free speech concerns while signaling tougher charges may come. In Virginia, AMP’s refusal to comply with a financial probe could backfire if a civil or criminal case is filed.
The DOJ’s civil case acts as a warning shot - tempering free speech concerns while signaling tougher charges may come. In Virginia, AMP’s refusal to comply with a financial probe could backfire if a civil or criminal case is filed.
🎙️How do terrorist groups raise and move money today? In this podcast episode, retired FBI agent Eliza Odom unpacks how funds flow through charities, crowdfunding, trade, and virtual assets - and what policymakers and banks can do to stop it.
Financing the Terrorism Threat: Trends, Typologies, and the Policy Response
YouTube video by Program on Extremism at GWU
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 6:53 PM
🎙️How do terrorist groups raise and move money today? In this podcast episode, retired FBI agent Eliza Odom unpacks how funds flow through charities, crowdfunding, trade, and virtual assets - and what policymakers and banks can do to stop it.
📢NEW EVENT
Inside the US Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell
🗓️Oct 16 | 🕐1PM ET
Hear from Rajiv Maan, former Director of the Fusion Cell, as he shares how it unifies efforts to bring kidnapped US citizens home
🎙️Moderated by David Collins
Inside the US Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell
🗓️Oct 16 | 🕐1PM ET
Hear from Rajiv Maan, former Director of the Fusion Cell, as he shares how it unifies efforts to bring kidnapped US citizens home
🎙️Moderated by David Collins
Inside the U.S. Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Featuring Rajiv Maan; moderated by David Collins.
extremism.gwu.edu
October 8, 2025 at 2:20 PM
📢NEW EVENT
Inside the US Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell
🗓️Oct 16 | 🕐1PM ET
Hear from Rajiv Maan, former Director of the Fusion Cell, as he shares how it unifies efforts to bring kidnapped US citizens home
🎙️Moderated by David Collins
Inside the US Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell
🗓️Oct 16 | 🕐1PM ET
Hear from Rajiv Maan, former Director of the Fusion Cell, as he shares how it unifies efforts to bring kidnapped US citizens home
🎙️Moderated by David Collins
🎙️Ep 20 INTIFADA: Hamas in the US is out now
This episode opens at the Nova Music Festival, where one survivor shares their harrowing story of escape, loss, and resilience.
Warning: Some content is violent and disturbing
This episode opens at the Nova Music Festival, where one survivor shares their harrowing story of escape, loss, and resilience.
Warning: Some content is violent and disturbing
Episode 20: We Came To Dance
YouTube video by INTIFADA: HAMAS in the US
www.youtube.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
🎙️Ep 20 INTIFADA: Hamas in the US is out now
This episode opens at the Nova Music Festival, where one survivor shares their harrowing story of escape, loss, and resilience.
Warning: Some content is violent and disturbing
This episode opens at the Nova Music Festival, where one survivor shares their harrowing story of escape, loss, and resilience.
Warning: Some content is violent and disturbing
We’re excited to welcome Barry Jonas, a seasoned federal prosecutor, to PoE as our new Senior Research Fellow. He’ll lead work on legal issues tied to extremism and counterterrorism - and help shape cutting-edge training programs.
Jonas, Barry | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Barry Jonas
extremism.gwu.edu
October 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM
We’re excited to welcome Barry Jonas, a seasoned federal prosecutor, to PoE as our new Senior Research Fellow. He’ll lead work on legal issues tied to extremism and counterterrorism - and help shape cutting-edge training programs.
Our researcher @jonlewis27.bsky.social joined @npr.org @wfae.bsky.social to discuss how extreme ideologies spread online, why young people are increasingly recruited into violent ideology and what’s being done to push back.
Check it out here 👇
Check it out here 👇
Online radicalization, extremism and the efforts to recruit American youth
Violent extremist movements continue to thrive in online spaces. We examine how extreme ideologies spread, why young people are increasingly recruited into violent ideology and what’s being done to pu...
www.wfae.org
September 30, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Our researcher @jonlewis27.bsky.social joined @npr.org @wfae.bsky.social to discuss how extreme ideologies spread online, why young people are increasingly recruited into violent ideology and what’s being done to push back.
Check it out here 👇
Check it out here 👇
📄New report!
Armed, organized, and overlooked - left-wing militias are quietly rising across the U.S. Our report profiles groups like NFAC and Redneck Revolt, revealing how they recruit veterans, spread online, and escape federal scrutiny.
Armed, organized, and overlooked - left-wing militias are quietly rising across the U.S. Our report profiles groups like NFAC and Redneck Revolt, revealing how they recruit veterans, spread online, and escape federal scrutiny.
The Silent Rise of the Left-Wing Militia | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Authored by the Program on Extremism
extremism.gwu.edu
September 29, 2025 at 8:14 PM
📄New report!
Armed, organized, and overlooked - left-wing militias are quietly rising across the U.S. Our report profiles groups like NFAC and Redneck Revolt, revealing how they recruit veterans, spread online, and escape federal scrutiny.
Armed, organized, and overlooked - left-wing militias are quietly rising across the U.S. Our report profiles groups like NFAC and Redneck Revolt, revealing how they recruit veterans, spread online, and escape federal scrutiny.
Research Fellow @jonlewis27.bsky.social was recently featured in an article from The Guardian that explores why some of the most recent acts of political violence exhibit the characteristic of leaving behind written messages on their weapons and ammunition.
‘It’s all performative’: why are shooters leaving messages on shell casings?
The use of markings on ammunition is a new trend of shooters trying to ensure their messages are disseminated publicly, experts say
www.theguardian.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Research Fellow @jonlewis27.bsky.social was recently featured in an article from The Guardian that explores why some of the most recent acts of political violence exhibit the characteristic of leaving behind written messages on their weapons and ammunition.
"Left-Wing Terrorism Is on the Rise"
Read about it in this article by Daniel Byman and Riley McCabe
Read about it in this article by Daniel Byman and Riley McCabe
Left-Wing Terrorism Is on the Rise
For the first time in more than 30 years, attacks by the far left outnumber those by the far right.
www.theatlantic.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
"Left-Wing Terrorism Is on the Rise"
Read about it in this article by Daniel Byman and Riley McCabe
Read about it in this article by Daniel Byman and Riley McCabe
📄New report: DAMPL is a US-based extremist group that emerged in early 2025. Rooted in anti-Zionist, anti-imperialist ideology, it has escalated from online rhetoric to vandalism, intimidation, and attempted incendiary attacks-posing new domestic threats.
What is DAMPL (Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation)? | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University
Authored by Jennifer Baker
extremism.gwu.edu
September 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
📄New report: DAMPL is a US-based extremist group that emerged in early 2025. Rooted in anti-Zionist, anti-imperialist ideology, it has escalated from online rhetoric to vandalism, intimidation, and attempted incendiary attacks-posing new domestic threats.