josh-kaplan.bsky.social
ProPublica reporter | Email me at [email protected] | Contact info & stories here: propublica.org/people/joshua-kaplan
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For more on John's years-long journey — and what his secret tapes reveal about the militia movement today — read our investigation here: www.propublica.org/article/ap3-...
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He later decided to go on the record with his story and agreed for his name to be published.
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The Oath Keepers leader did not respond to requests for comment. The founder of a major Three Percenter militia that John infiltrated declined to comment, then sent a short follow-up email: “MAGA.”
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The infiltrator’s name is John Williams.
To learn what he revealed about the paramilitary movement — and how a mole managed to become a senior leader in a major American militia — read the full story here: www.propublica.org/article/ap3-...
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Back in August, I wrote an investigation based on records the mole sent me, along with extensive interviews with militia members and files I got from several other sources. www.propublica.org/article/insi...
But that was still the tip of the iceberg. Now the mole is coming forward.
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He met fascinating people along the way, like the retired Las Vegas police detective who claims to be the new national head of the Oath Keepers.
The detective had 3 plaques mounted in his home inscribed with the same Hemingway line: “There is no hunting like the hunting of man."
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The mole’s journey was dangerous and difficult, ethically fraught and often bizarre. He kept a journal with every lie he told so he wouldn’t lose track.
Here’s some photos he provided from an Oath Keepers training.
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Such questions feel more urgent now than ever. Trump has promised to pardon Jan. 6 rioters when he returns to the White House.
Experts warn that could trigger a renaissance for militant extremists, sending them an unprecedented message of protection and support.
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The files revealed secret operations, like armed patrols rounding up migrants and the surveillance of a student reporter.
There were debates over whether to commit acts of terrorism.
And they gave a unique, remarkably intimate window into questions like: Why do so many cops join militias?
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Outraged by Jan 6, he spent two years getting inside the top ranks of militias like the Oath Keepers. He was stunningly successful. He penetrated a new generation of militia leaders, which included doctors, cops & government attorneys.
This is his story. www.propublica.org/article/ap3-...