Revealed: Right-Wing Militia’s Secret Strategy to Monitor AZ Ballot Boxes

Leaked communications from the American Patriots Three Percent militia (AP3) reveal their response to media scrutiny over monitoring ballot drop boxes in Arizona. The chats outline how the group coordinated their activities amid intense public concern.

In 2022, various extremist factions were galvanized by unfounded claims of election fraud, prompting operations to surveil ballot drop boxes nationwide. Conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza’s narrative played a significant role in inciting these actions, leading to the involvement of groups like the Arizona chapter of Oath Keepers and Clean Elections USA, which is linked to QAnon activist Melody Jennings.

The actions led to a lawsuit during the midterm elections aimed at halting these surveillance efforts, which critics labeled as voter intimidation. The publication of photos showing armed AP3 members raised alarm among voter advocacy groups, who feared these measures would deter voters from participating in elections.

Details emerging from the Telegram leaks, first reported by Unicorn Riot, indicate AP3 leaders expressed frustration following the circulation of these images. AP3 National Commander Scot Seddon acknowledged a troubling incident where an armed member attempted to monitor polling locations, emphasizing the need for a more prudent approach.

The member in question, who left the group to ostensibly protect its reputation, was reportedly affiliated with the North Carolina chapter of AP3. The chats also suggest a lack of comprehensive understanding among AP3 members regarding Arizona’s laws on ballot box monitoring, along with indications that conspiracy theories heavily influenced their operations.

One chat participant noted the presence of drop boxes at police and sheriff stations, demanding video surveillance to address concerns about alleged fraud. This sentiment mirrored widespread claims circulating within right-wing circles, bolstered by D’Souza’s film, “2000 Mules,” which has faced substantial criticism for its lack of credible evidence regarding ballot misconduct.

Despite multiple authorities disputing these claims, drop boxes have continued to be a focal point of unfounded allegations from Republican groups. The film’s creators have evaded accountability for their assertions, with former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich recommending investigations into organizations supposedly linked with the film.

AP3’s internal discussions included explicit directives to prevent so-called “ballot mules” from operating, with members reportedly instructed to maintain proximity to monitoring locations despite legal requirements mandating significantly greater distances for observers.

Participants in the leaked chats detailed their efforts in Yuma and shared information on locations of drop boxes across Arizona. Some expressed distrust of fellow members, suggesting that the photographed individual could be an undercover agent, a notion dismissed by others within the group.

Conversations within a designated chat room displayed a diverse range of participants, indicating a statewide network with plans to coordinate watching events with social gatherings. They openly discussed interactions with journalists and stated how their presence appeared to deter voters—demonstrating an unsettling understanding of the impact of their actions.

In 2022, the Arizona Secretary of State referred several instances for federal review, alleging voter intimidation tactics. Reports surfaced of voters being followed and photographed by individuals in tactical clothing while attempting to cast their ballots at Maricopa County’s election center.

The leak originates from an insider who has been observing AP3 for two years, signaling a potentially volatile atmosphere surrounding upcoming elections. This individual outlined fears of violence during voting processes, suggesting that participants in these monitoring initiatives were part of a more extensive organization than previously acknowledged.

Concerns are amplified by the mention of concealed firearms among members. The leak of these chats highlights that the 2022 ballot monitoring efforts were merely a precursor to more aggressive tactics anticipated in future elections.

Additionally, there were discussions in these chats about targeting independent journalists, specifically criticizing Emma Best for her reporting on far-right extremism. Members expressed intentions to uncover her personal details, with alarming references to violence.

The Arizona Secretary of State’s office declined to provide specifics regarding strategies to prevent voter intimidation in future elections, but reaffirmed their commitment to training local authorities to secure voting locations. Maricopa County Elections officials expressed concerns over the potential intimidating nature of monitoring strategies discussed in the leaked chats, emphasizing the need for all participants in the electoral process to respect voter rights.