A new term, ‘nihilistic violent extremism’ (NVE), is emerging in US law enforcement circles to describe a dangerous phenomenon increasingly associated with mass shootings. This classification points to individuals motivated not by specific political grievances, but by a fundamental hatred of society and a desire to see it destroyed through sheer chaos.
NVE is characterized by its perpetrators’ focus on societal collapse, often inspired by radical online communities. These individuals may not align neatly with traditional left-right political divides or other established extremist categories. Their primary goal appears to be sowing widespread disruption and glorifying violence, with little concern for achievable outcomes.
Federal prosecutors and investigators are increasingly citing NVE in legal documents and public statements. A notable case involved a teenager allegedly influenced by extremist ideologies to plan assassinations and ignite a revolution, demonstrating how online radicalization can lead to real-world violence. The Department of Justice has used the term to describe online networks involved in radicalizing individuals towards violence and societal disruption.
The FBI has acknowledged that a substantial portion of its domestic terrorism investigations involve NVE suspects. These individuals are driven by a profound hatred for society, regardless of the specific justifications they may adopt. The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) has identified dozens of federal cases fitting this emerging profile.
Experts emphasize that NVE represents a complex and adaptable threat, often incorporating elements from various extremist subcultures. These actors are adept at utilizing low-cost, high-impact methods to generate chaos and overwhelm law enforcement. While the NVE designation offers a useful lens for understanding this specific threat, experts caution that it should not be used indiscriminately, as doing so could obscure the distinct ideological roots of other extremist movements, such as white supremacy or anti-government extremism.