Singaporean teen self-radicalised and identified as white supremacist, wanted to conduct mass shooting in the US and 'fight for the whites'

SINGAPORE — A 16-year-old Secondary 4 student in Singapore, who identified as a white supremacist after being self-radicalised by online far-right extremist propaganda, received a restriction order under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in November 2023.

Despite being ethnically Chinese, the teenager showed interest in overseas attacks to advance the white supremacist cause, with no intentions of conducting any attacks within Singapore.

The Internal Security Department (ISD) said on Wednesday (24 January) that he is the second Singaporean to be dealt with under the ISA for radicalisation by far-right extremist ideologies. The first individual, now 19, was released from detention in January after nearly three years.

Under the restriction order, the 16-year-old must adhere to various conditions. These include not changing his residence or travelling outside of Singapore, refraining from accessing the Internet or social media, and seeking approval from the director of ISD before issuing public statements.

The ISD explained that during the investigation, the teenager strongly identified as a white supremacist and pro-white sympathiser. He expressed a desire to be recruited for violent attacks by overseas white supremacist groups to "fight for the whites."

How a Singapore youth was self-radicalised by foreign far-right ideology

The radicalisation process began when the teenager stumbled upon videos by foreign far-right political commentator and white supremacist Paul Nicholas Miller in 2022. Miller, associated with various far-right extremist organisations such as the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo movement, advocates for a race war.

By early 2023, the young individual developed an intense hatred towards communities targeted by far-right extremists, including African Americans, Arabs, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals, according to the ISD. His beliefs included attributing a significant percentage of crime in the United States to African Americans, and advocating for their "horrible death".

The youth also perceived illegal Arab immigrants as responsible for violent attacks against white populations in Western countries, subscribing to the Great Replacement theory commonly cited by far-right terrorists like Brenton Tarrant, who attacked Christchurch. This theory suggests that indigenous white populations in Western countries were in danger of being replaced by non-white immigrants.

These ethno-nationalist beliefs led the youth to believe that non-white communities, such as African Americans and Arabs, should be driven away from white-majority countries, the ISD said. Engaging in far-right online chat groups, the youth also shared violent anti-African American videos, as doing so gave a sense of belonging within the white supremacist community.

While he was considering to travel to Western countries like France, Italy, the US, and Russia to participate in attacks against the targeted communities, the youth specifically "shared his interest to conduct a mass shooting in the US in 10 years’ time" in a far-right online chat group, the ISD said.

However, ISD added that he did not take steps to realising these beyond online searches for weapons due to financial constraints and a lack of know-how. Also, there was no indication that the youth had tried to influence his family or friends with his violent extremist views, nor were they aware of his attack ideations, the ISD said.

No plans to conduct attacks in Singapore

Despite his extreme views, the youth had no plans to conduct attacks in Singapore, as he believed the targeted communities had not caused trouble in the country, according to ISD.

Under a restriction order, the youth will undergo a rehabilitation programme aimed at countering the violent extremist ideologies he absorbed online. The ISD explained that the programme seeks to convey that his racial supremacist views are incompatible with Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious society.

The youth will undergo counselling facilitated by ISD psychologists to address his inclination towards violence and the underlying factors that render him susceptible to radical influences. These include the regulation of his emotions and identity issues, both of which fuelled his aspiration to identify as a white supremacist, and align himself with a like-minded and seemingly powerful group.

ISD case officers will also work with his family and school to ensure that he receives ample support. Additionally, two mentors have been assigned to provide him with guidance and impart cyber-wellness skills.

The ISD is also working with partners such as the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group to explore community-based programmes aimed at equipping the youth with pro-social skills.

19-year-old granted suspension direction

Meanwhile, the ISD said that the 19-year-old recently released from detention was granted a suspension direction in January 2024. This ministerial direction allows for the suspension of the detention order, but it can be revoked if the individual fails to comply with the conditions, similar to those of a restriction order.

Detained at the age of 16 in December 2020 for planning terrorist attacks against Muslims at two mosques in Singapore, the youth, a Protestant Christian, underwent an intensive three-year rehabilitation programme during his detention.

The ISD reported that he responded positively to the efforts, and is now rejecting far-right extremist ideas and violence. The youth has embraced racial and religious harmony in Singapore, and no longer harbours animosity towards Muslims, the ISD said.

During his detention, the ISD said it worked with the National Council of Churches of Singapore to arrange counselling with a Christian pastor, addressing the youth's extremist mindset, which included the misguided belief that Christians were under attack by Muslims.

He also received support from an ISD psychologist, two mentors from the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG), and his former secondary school teacher. This team helped him work on his self-esteem, a permissive attitude towards violence, and socio-psychological factors contributing to his radicalisation.

According to the ISD, the youth's family also played a key role in his rehabilitation through weekly visits and words of encouragement. Meanwhile, the ISD facilitated his participation in the GCE N-level and O-level examinations, providing weekly lessons from at least five tutors, including Ministry of Education-trained teachers, who are RRG volunteers.

The youth intends to continue his studies post-release, and the ISD plans to work with his family, school, and other stakeholders for a smooth reintegration into society.

Recognising signs of radicalisation and taking action

The ISD emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant, citing the potential adaptation of far-right ideologies to the Singaporean landscape.

The department also warned against divisive rhetoric promoting white supremacy, anti-Islam, xenophobia, and anti-immigration beliefs, stating that such ideologies could deepen societal divides, amplify prejudices, and encourage violence against minorities.

The public is strongly urged to remain vigilant and be aware of signs indicating that individuals may have become radicalised, the ISD said..

Recognisable signs include frequent visits to radical websites, the expression of extremist views on social media platforms, sharing such views with friends and relatives, making statements that promote ill-will or hatred towards people of other races or religions, expressing an intention to engage in acts of violence either overseas or in Singapore, and inciting others to participate in violent activities.

If there are suspicions that someone may have been radicalised, individuals are encouraged to contact the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline at 1800-2626-473 (1800-2626-ISD).

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