In Oklahoma City, the local news station’s weather radar came under attack shortly after a far-right extremist group threatened to take as many Nexrads offline as they could.
Rachel Goldwasser, a senior research analyst at the Center for Poverty Law in the South, mentioned that this situation escalated from earlier concerns about chemtrails and was linked to Hurricane Helen.
Goldwasser and her team are keeping an eye on a group called “Patrol Veterans,” noting that their specific threat regarding weather radar is a relatively new development.
Oklahoma City police haven’t confirmed a direct connection between these threats and the recent radar attacks at local news stations.
Interestingly, the group had issued similar threats around the time Hurricane Helen affected South Carolina.
Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer, the group’s leader, stated, “Once the attack simulation is prepared, we’ll take as many Nexrads offline as possible.”
According to Goldwasser, Meyer has now relocated to Oklahoma.
He’s had several run-ins with the law and has often discussed topics that have turned out to be conspiracy theories.
Goldwasser expressed concerns, saying, “He’s been very intense against the military and its members, which I think could pose a risk in the future.”
When asked if weather radar could potentially be weaponized, Sebastian Torres, who has decades of experience with the National Maritime and Atmospheric Administration, assured that “that’s not possible.” He emphasized the goal of forecasters is to provide accurate information and timely warnings to protect lives and property.
Robert Palmer, dean of the University of Oklahoma’s University of Atmospheric Geography and Sciences, advised against believing in conspiracy theories, suggesting that people discuss these ideas with friends to highlight their implausibility.
The situation is compounded by the catastrophic flooding in Texas. Goldwasser noted that the Patrol Veterans seem to encourage others to buy into these conspiracies.
Law enforcement is aware of the threats from this group on social media. As of Wednesday afternoon, Oklahoma City police had not made any arrests linked to the radar attack.
