2 charged in plot to solicit attacks on minorities, officials and infrastructure on Telegram

Two people prosecutors say were motivated by white supremacist ideology have been charged with using the messaging app Telegram to encourage violent acts against minorities, government officials and critical infrastructure in the United States.

WASHINGTON — Two people prosecutors say were driven by white supremacist ideology were charged Monday with using the messaging app Telegram to encourage violent acts against minorities, government officials and critical infrastructure in the United States.

The suspects, identified as Dallas Erin Humber and Matthew Robert Allison, face 15 federal charges in the Eastern District of California. It was not immediately clear whether either had an attorney, but both were scheduled to appear in court Monday night or Tuesday.

Justice Department officials say the suspects used Telegram to send bomb-making materials, to distribute a list of potential assassination targets — including a federal judge, a senator and a former U.S. prosecutor — and to honor perpetrators of previous violent acts.

The duo is accused of running a collective of channels on Telegram known as “Terrorgram,” which prosecutors say promotes white supremacy and violence. Their incitements to violence include phrases like “Take Action Now” and “Do your part,” according to an indictment unsealed Monday.

“I think it’s hard to overstate the danger and the risks that this group posed,” Deputy Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department’s top national security official, said at a news conference.