Department of Homeland Security says right-wing extremists used TikTok to recruit January 6 rioters and share 'tactical guidance' including advice to bring GUNS to 'Stop the Steal' rally

Daily Mail ^ | September 16, 2021 | RONNY REYES

[American Number 181269513]

January 6 rioters used video sharing app TikTok to recruit participants and even warned them to bring guns to the Stop the Steal rally that preceded it, the Department of Homeland Security says.

DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis filed a report this April highlighting concerns that violent content was growing on the Chinese-owned social media platform, from promoting the riot and acts of terrorism to instructing others how to build bombs and sabotage railroad tracks.

The five page report, obtained by the Property of the People transparency watchdog group and shared with Politico Thursday, comes as federal authorities examine the role social media companies like TikTok played in the Capitol riot, which left five people dead and more than 600 people charged with crimes.

DHS's officials issued a specific alert over TikTok because authorities had initially been unaware of the platform and how it was used.

But now officials understand that the platform has become a popular site for extremist activities, Politico reports.

The social media giant has about 100 million active users in the US, with TikTok generally seen as a place for younger users to upload funny or informative videos complete with sound and visual effects.

The agency cited multiple videos promoting the January 6 riot, including of one user who told others to bring firearms to the Capitol.

DHS also made notice of TikTok videos discussing how to tamper with railroad tracks, interfere with the National Guard during riots and how to access White House tunnels.

They also detailed incidents aboard where terrorists used the platform to promote their plans and ideals. In October 2019, ISIS had used TikTok to show off corpses, guns and their acts of violence.

[HollyB]

I thought Parler was the problem so that’s why they shut it down for a while.

So, Why didn’t they shut down tic toc if it was/is such a problem?

I wish they would actually. Can’t stand that platform.

Such liars.

[South Dakota]

Tic tok was used to organize the riot alright..it just that a organizing for america mob were thevones that used it

[Leep]

I have never been on tik tok. guess that why I missed the Capitol “riot” where a cop killed an unarmed women who did pose a threat to his life.

[Leep]

I have never been on tik tok. I guess that’s why I missed the Capitol “riot” in which a cop killed an unarmed women who didn’t pose a threat to his life.