In a bid to incite outrage and garner support, some activists are likely to instigate confrontations with federal law enforcement, potentially leading to harm or even fatalities among demonstrators.
This might sound absurd, but it’s eerily reminiscent of past events. I experienced this firsthand 40 years ago when I testified before Congress about similar methods being employed. Today, we’re witnessing a recurrence of these tactics aimed at galvanizing public sentiment against the administration.
The recent deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis remind me of what I learned as a young adult in the mid-1980s when I infiltrated extremist groups, much like young people are doing today.
Journalist Cam Higbie reported on events happening in Minneapolis. It seems these groups are in search of martyrs to fuel public outrage.
With the orchestrated provocations and stress from domestic extremists, it was almost inevitable that ICE and Border Patrol agents would respond to situations they created, which typically sparks media outrage.
Some revolutionaries refer to this as “armed propaganda.”
The House Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs convened a hearing following the death of activist Benjamin Linder in Nicaragua in 1987, who was killed by U.S.-backed Contra fighters. Linder, notably armed at the time, was portrayed by supporters as a peaceful humanitarian. I was called as a witness during that hearing.
For two years, groups like Witnesses for Peace expected that the Contras might target American citizens, using their deaths for political leverage—a dangerous game.
It was particularly hard to share this testimony, given the presence of Mr. Linder’s parents, who were lifelong radicals influenced by their views against American involvement in Vietnam and aligned with Soviet interests. They seemed more like mourners of fallen comrades than grieving parents.
During my college years, I delved into various groups across the U.S. supporting communism in Central America, also engaging with Nicaraguan resistance forces. While testifying, I shared what I witnessed: how leaders of American extremist factions seemed to want some of our allies killed to further their narratives.
Revolutionary actions often require martyrs to fuel anger and inspire others.
During my testimony, I pointed out that many within groups like Witness for Peace recognized the military roles they played in Central America. At one witness meeting, plans for expansion into El Salvador collapsed shortly after four U.S. Marines were killed.
Following Benjamin Linder’s death, I explained that American radicals had finally found their martyr, leading to increased media coverage and congressional inquiries. This cycle seems to be repeating itself today with the unrest in Minneapolis.
America needs to acknowledge that those fueling this anger are not particularly concerned about human life; their goals are far more damaging.
