The Oath Keepers and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories

CTEC Digital Research Lead Alex Newhouse and Researcher Sean Kitson recently published a brief investigating the activity of far-right militia group the Oath Keepers, and their attempts to provoke protests and spread disinformation over social media during the time of COVID-19.

Newhouse and Kitson tracked the activity of several Twitter accounts used by members of the Oath Keepers, and found substantial evidence showing their attempt to rally behind a message regarding COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Their frequently-used hashtags often were linked to other movements such as QAnon, and included claims of a plot to control the population through mandatory vaccines, and support for “Reopen America” protests.

Read the full report below.