‘BOOGALOO’ CELL TRIED TO INSTIGATE VIOLENCE: POLICE

Federal prosecutors in Nevada charged three alleged members of a right-wing extremist movement with terrorism offences and other crimes on Wednesday, saying they plotted to use Molotov cocktails and other explosives to spark violence at protests over the death of George Floyd.

Stephen Parshall, 35, Andrew Lynam, 23, and William Loomis, 40, were charged in federal court with conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The men also face state charges brought by local prosecutors, including conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism and providing material support for terrorism.

Prosecutors said all three were members of the “Boogaloo” movement, a radical right-wing group advocating civil war. Human rights advocates told the Washington Post that they have tracked Boogaloo-related groups at 40 protests related to Floyd’s killing.

Authorities said the defendants talked about targeting businesses and structures near downtown Las Vegas. Prosecutors said the three showed up Saturday at a protest in Las Vegas, carrying rifles and encouraging protesters to use violence.