Militia Group Threatens Weather Radar Sites, Fueling Conspiracy Theories

A potentially dangerous situation is unfolding across the United States as an anti-government militia group has declared war, of sorts, on the nation’s weather radar systems. This alarming development, detailed in an internal memo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reveals that the group, Veterans on Patrol, views Doppler radar as "weather weapons" and is actively threatening to attack them.

The threat is being taken seriously by NOAA, which has placed its network on alert. The agency’s security office warned that Veterans on Patrol is encouraging its members and anyone else who will listen to conduct "penetration drills" on NEXRAD sites. NEXRAD, or Next Generation Weather Radar, is a network of 160 high-resolution Doppler weather radars vital for predicting severe weather events like tornadoes and thunderstorms. It is jointly operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration, and the US Air Force. The goal of these drills, according to the NOAA memo, is to identify weaknesses that can be exploited to ultimately destroy the sites.

Veterans on Patrol, the group behind the threats, is an anti-government, anti-immigration, Christian nationalist organization founded in 2015. They have reportedly been increasingly aggressive in their interactions with NWS offices, both physically and virtually, in recent weeks. This escalation has led NOAA to issue a warning to its personnel and to take precautions to protect its facilities and employees.

While the group’s exact motivations for targeting NEXRAD systems are unclear, their obsession with weather and conspiracy theories has been documented. Independent journalist Annie Dance, who runs the Substack Cops & Congress, reported last year that Veterans on Patrol leader Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer claimed that Hurricane Helene, which impacted North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, was created by a "weather weapon." Meyer believes that the US military is using "directed energy weapons" to kill U.S. citizens. He reportedly tampered with cell towers in the area to prevent "military deployments against Mankind."

After Hurricane Helene, Meyer and his followers traveled to North Carolina, ostensibly to help the community rebuild. However, their true agenda seemed to be to gain a foothold in the community and spread their anti-government ideology. They reportedly threatened members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and interfered with aid distribution efforts.

The timing of these threats is particularly concerning. The NWS is already facing staffing shortages due to cuts made by the previous administration and subsequent measures that have resulted in vacancies, including at least 90 technician positions who work on radar systems. These technicians are essential for maintaining and repairing the radar systems that are now under threat. As a result of the threats, the agency must now allocate resources to security measures, further straining its limited personnel. Employees working at remote sites are now required to travel in pairs or groups for their own safety.

The rise of conspiracy theories surrounding weather manipulation is not new, but the increasing willingness of individuals and groups to act on these beliefs poses a serious threat to public safety. Essential infrastructure, like weather radar systems, are vulnerable to attack, and the consequences of such an attack could be devastating. These systems are vital for providing timely warnings about severe weather events, allowing people to take shelter and protect themselves. Damage to or disruption of these systems could lead to delayed or inaccurate warnings, potentially resulting in loss of life and property.

The incident highlights the growing challenge of dealing with conspiracy theories and the dangers they pose to society. The spread of misinformation online and through social media has made it easier for these theories to gain traction and for individuals to be radicalized. It also underscores the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, as well as the need for government agencies and other organizations to actively combat the spread of misinformation.

The NOAA is working with law enforcement to investigate the threats and to ensure the safety and security of its facilities and employees. It is also important for the public to be aware of the situation and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The safety of the nation’s weather infrastructure is critical for protecting lives and property, and it is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. The threats against weather radar systems are a reminder of the real-world consequences of conspiracy theories and the need to address this issue effectively. The agency also released a statement emphasizing the importance of these weather tools, underscoring that the NEXRAD program benefits all Americans. The hope is that more education may quell some of the theories circulating.

Law enforcement agencies and intelligence communities are watching the Veterans on Patrol’s activity closely. Similar groups have shown a propensity for violence in the past, and the recent behavior of the group is concerning. There is fear that the rhetoric circulating online may escalate into physical attacks.

The current situation serves as a warning to other government agencies and the public about the dangers of misinformation and the importance of protecting essential infrastructure. The threat against weather radar systems is just one example of the many ways in which conspiracy theories can have real-world consequences. It is vital that we continue to fight against the spread of misinformation and to protect the institutions that are essential for our safety and well-being.