KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The FBI is warning parents about a violent extremist network actively recruiting children in the Kansas City area through online games and apps.
Ten-year-old Sanaya spends hours every day playing online games at the Boys and Girls Club at Thornberry Unit. For her and millions of kids like her, online gaming is where they socialize and spend time after school.
But what many children don’t know is who else is playing.
FBI identifies new extremist threat
The threat is called Nihilistic Violent Extremists, or NVEs. In plain terms, it’s online radicalization with a violent, deadly goal.
“It’s basically a hatred for our society’s values and with a drive to cause chaos and destruction in our communities,” said Amy Ramsey, a supervisory Special Agent with the FBI in Kansas City.
NVEs were first documented in 2021. Known groups include the 764 Network and “No Lives Matter.” The FBI describes NVE’s as a rising domestic terrorism threat.
“We have in this country 1,700 domestic terrorism investigations, a large chunk of which are nihilistic violent extremism, NVE — those who engage in violent acts motivated by a deep hatred of society, whatever that justification they see it is,” said Kash Patel, FBI Director.
The federal agency is investigating the deadly shooting at a San Diego Mosque for its connections with NVE’s.
On May 18, two teens opened fire on the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three people while livestreaming the attack before taking their own lives. The FBI said the young gunmen were radicalized online and motivated by nihilistic violent extremism.
Kansas City area sees rise in NVE activity
Ramsey said the threat is closer than many think.
“Just like our offices nationally, we have seen a rise in NVE activity,” Ramsey said. “We have seen nihilistic violent extremism activity on both sides of the state line.”
Ramsey declined to discuss case specifics but said children between 11 and 18 are exactly who is being targeted. They are often vulnerable youth who may lack strong family or social support. The victims usually spend a significant amount of time in online communications.
“Both boys and girls are targeted, but predominantly female,” Ramsey said. “It really starts in a benign way, just building rapport and building a friendship.”
Once trust is established, predators move their victims to encrypted platforms where they are nearly impossible to track.
How NVEs differ from other online predators
“Nihilistic violent extremism has taken the sexual extortion that we’ve seen for years and sort of ramped it up to be more violent,” Ramsey said.
The violence begins with what Ramsey calls “blood signs,” such as writing names in blood on a notebook or wall, or violence against siblings or pets.
The behavior often escalates quickly.
“The end goal is not sexual gratification or money. It is for a victim to, in fact, commit suicide or to commit an act of mass violence,” Ramsey said. “That is their goal. They want to create chaos and destruction in our society.”
Where do the predators operate
Ramsey said the predators are often global, both inside and outside of the United States.
“They use any platforms with peer-to-peer messaging. Any gaming apps, social media or chat forums.”
Federal agents say the form of deterrence is education.
Parents must know the apps and games their children use and monitor their online activity.
“Be careful not to become complacent,” said Ramsey. “Look at the content on devices. Don’t just restrict and forget. Also, limit communication with any strangers, especially younger kids.”
Ramsey said it is most important for parents to communicate.
“Be ready to have open, calm communication about online dangers,” Ramsey said. “You need to create a safe environment, so they feel comfortable about coming to you.”
If you suspect NVE activity
If parents suspect NVE activity, Ramsey said the most important thing is to remain calm and not shame the child.
“Immediately preserve all evidence, including messages and content, and cease all communication with the predators,” said Ramsey.
Parents can report suspected activity to the FBI at FBI.gov by submitting a tip, calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or contacting their local police department.
“You should report any activity, even if you’re not sure. The FBI will help determine if it is NVE-related,” said Ramsey. “If it is a predator, they have likely victimized other children. Your evidence could help nationwide investigations.”
The FBI said the biggest deterrence is education.
FBI agent’s advice to parents
Teaching kids to recognize red flags
Samantha Hausker, Director of Education at the Boys and Girls Club, said the organization is working to arm kids with the tools they need.
“We teach them how to be responsible digital citizens,” Hausker said. “We bring awareness to cyberbullying and how to recognize those red flags online.”
“It can start with one comment or one little interaction with someone online,” Hausker said. “So, make sure we teach them how to be aware of those things.”
Sanaya said she’s learning to be more cautious.
“Not to trust every other source that everybody else plays, because it’s not always safe,” Sanaya said.
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