Anti-Defamation League alarmed by increase in 'extremist activity' around election

As Election Day approaches, growing numbers of Americans are openly posting on social media about coup attempts and civil war, said Jonathan Greenblatt, national director and CEO of Anti-Defamation League.

At the same time, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said the commonwealth is closely monitoring potential threats to the election. 

And civil right advocates urged voters not to be intimidated by the possible and "illegal" presence of armed militias at local polling places on Nov. 3.   

More:Militias in Pennsylvania say they protect everyone's rights. Critics say that's a sham.

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"We’re seeing an uptick in extremist activity," said Greenblatt. "Just this past week, we released a brief report about conspiracy theories about political coups that extremists are embracing, which could make them more likely to act on their dangerous views."

On its website, the ADL points to numerous websites masquerading as journalism and asserting that Trump must remain in the White House "no matter what."

"We’re living in a day and age – just weeks before this election – when armed militia groups are out parading in the open," Greenblatt added. "This should give all of us pause."

Consider recent comments on Facebook: “The rivers will flow red with the blood of Americans,” wrote one user. And another posted, “I might be an old vet, 54, but I still have very good sniper skills."

No information was provided on the users identity, and they were not described as members of militia groups.

It's illegal for armed militias to gather outside polling places, stressed Mary McCord, legal director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at the Georgetown University Law Center

"Our concern is that some of these heavily armed militia groups will deploy to the polls ostensibly to protect the vote or protect the election or protect against fraud," said McCord. "And, of course, the presence of heavily armed unlawful militia members could be very intimidating to voters."

Deana El-Mallawany, attorney for Protect Democracy, urged Americans to educate themselves about voter rights.

If everyone plays their part, the election will succeed, she said. "We’ve had elections through a civil war. We’ve had elections through other very challenging moments in our in our country’s history."

Protect Democracy was created in 2017 by members of the Obama administration and said it works to prevent the further corruption of elections. 

"Right now, the best way to protect our democracy is to vigorously participate in it," said El-Mallawany. "What inspires confidence in the election is when there is monumental voter turnout."

Boockvar urged citizens to contact the state with any concerns about voter access and election security. 

"If you know something to be false, call it out. Don’t stay silent," she said. "I want to know every threat you see. Don’t hold back."

The hotline is calling 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772). 

At the same time, Boockvar urged news outlets not to sow fear. 

"Don’t use the word chaos unless there’s people running around, screaming and throwing things," she said. "Chaos should be reserved for when there is actually chaos. We need to be prepared, but we need to do so in a rational, well-thought-out way."