The militia group Veterans on Patrol (VOP) has escalated its alarming activities, fueled by unsubstantiated conspiracy theories and a growing anti-government stance.
Originating in Pima County, Arizona, in 2015 as a group claiming to aid homeless veterans, VOP shifted focus by 2018 to vigilante patrols along the US-Mexico border, blending apocalyptic Christian nationalism with far-right conspiracy theories.
Recently, VOP’s leader, Michael “Lewis Arthur” Meyer, has leveraged public Telegram chats to claim the U.S. government caused Hurricane Helene using directed energy weapons.
Members believe the hurricane was an “act of war” aimed at advancing government control, including establishing lithium mines and smart cities. This belief has been linked to broader far-right narratives tying natural disasters to conspiracies of government overreach.
The group’s rhetoric has grown more militant.
VOP’s escalating actions spark fears of violence under conspiracy-fueled narratives.In October, VOP ran a Telegram poll asking followers about targeting military facilities, with 72% of respondents endorsing violent actions.
Their posts accuse the government and military of deploying “weather weapons” and “spraying poisons” across the skies, further blending their theories with unfounded fears about vaccines and chemtrails.
The Global Project on Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) warns that VOP’s activities present significant risks.
Co-founder Heidi Beirich calls them “one of the most dangerous militia groups,” citing their history of confrontational behavior and interference with law enforcement investigations.
VOP’s actions extend beyond rhetoric. They have destroyed migrant water stations in Arizona and harassed individuals near homeless encampments in Washington, often under the guise of combating human trafficking.
Despite Meyer’s repeated arrests and legal issues, the group remains active, with members now focusing on North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene.
As the group blends conspiratorial beliefs with calls for direct action, concerns grow about their potential to incite violence.
Law enforcement and advocacy groups urge vigilance in addressing VOP’s activities to prevent harm to communities and the undermining of legitimate disaster relief efforts.