Domestic Terrorism: Protecting Families from 764

We live in a time when safety feels less certain than ever. While most of us think of terrorism as something that happens overseas, the reality is that domestic terrorism is one of the fastest-growing threats facing American families today. On March 6, 2025, the FBI released an urgent Public Service Announcement about a dangerous nihilistic extremist group known as 764. These groups are not motivated by politics or religion but by destruction for its own sake. Their recruiting ground? The same online spaces where our children spend hours every day.

At NY Safe, our mission has always been clear: families come first. And as a firearms instructor who has personally participated in an FBI program and received briefings from the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), I can tell you that the warnings are real, the threats are serious, and the responsibility falls on us as parents and citizens to stay vigilant.

What Is the 764 Nihilistic Terror Group?

The FBI’s March 6, 2025 alert described 764 as a loosely organized online movement rooted in nihilism and violence. Unlike groups with political or ideological goals, 764 thrives on chaos. Their slogans and digital propaganda celebrate destruction, shock value, and the dehumanization of others. For them, violence is not a means to an end—it is the end itself.

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), 764 members have been linked to violent plots, online radicalization campaigns, and attempted recruitment of American youth. Their tactics are deliberately designed to appeal to teenagers who feel isolated, disillusioned, or simply want to rebel against authority.

“Groups like 764 represent a unique and growing threat. Their ideology is rooted not in politics, but in destruction itself.” – FBI IC3 PSA, March 6, 2025

Why Families Should Care: This Threat Hits Home

It’s tempting to dismiss groups like 764 as fringe movements without real impact. But parents need to understand the truth: these groups are actively targeting kids. If your child spends time on online gaming platforms, Discord, Reddit, or TikTok, they are already within reach of extremist recruiters.

Here are some sobering statistics:

95% of U.S. teens have access to a smartphone, and 46% say they are online “almost constantly.” (Pew Research, 2023)
70% of parents report that their children have experienced some form of online harassment or exposure to harmful content. (Common Sense Media, 2024)
The FBI’s IC3 reported a record 880,000 cybercrime complaints in 2023, with youth-targeted cases rising sharply. (IC3 Annual Report)

These numbers make one thing clear: groups like 764 are not just a national security concern. They are a family safety concern.

Inside the FBI: My Briefing with the JTTF

When I joined the FBI Citizens Academy program, I knew I’d gain insight into law enforcement operations. What I didn’t expect was the depth of the threat assessment we received from the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) New York. These are the agents responsible for tracking domestic terror plots in one of the world’s busiest metropolitan areas. Their briefing underscored just how fast domestic threats evolve—and how critical public awareness has become.

One moment that struck me was when an agent said: “We can track and disrupt threats, but parents are the first line of defense. You know your kids. You’re the ones who see the warning signs before anyone else.”

That message stayed with me. It’s one reason I emphasize family-centered safety training through NY Safe. Defense isn’t only about carrying a firearm; it’s about creating an environment where threats are recognized early and dealt with effectively.

How 764 and Similar Groups Recruit Teens Online

Extremist groups understand something many parents underestimate: online culture is powerful. By using humor, memes, and edgy content, recruiters make extremism feel like belonging. They exploit the vulnerabilities of teens who feel isolated, misunderstood, or simply bored.

Some of the key methods include:

Private Gaming Servers: Recruiters meet teens in online games, then invite them to private chats where extremist messaging begins.
Discord & Reddit Communities: Extremists use coded language and memes to normalize violence in hidden or semi-hidden forums.
Shock Content: Violent or offensive memes become tools for desensitization, gradually making extreme ideas seem “funny” or “normal.”
Isolation Exploitation: Teens struggling with loneliness are groomed to believe they’ve finally found “friends” who understand them.

Parents often ask: “Wouldn’t I notice if my child was being recruited?” The answer is not always. Online radicalization is gradual, subtle, and often hidden behind jokes, edgy usernames, or coded hashtags.

Protecting Your Family in the Digital and Physical Worlds

So what can families do? Here are steps you can take today to safeguard your children against both online radicalization and real-world threats:

Cyber Awareness Checklist for Parents

Ask your kids about their online friends and communities—without judgment.
Set clear boundaries for device usage, including “no phones behind closed doors.”
Regularly review app downloads, server memberships, and gaming activity.
Use parental control tools that monitor keywords related to extremism and violence.
Encourage open conversations about online trends, memes, and slang terms.

Family Safety Checklist for the Real World

Have a home security plan that includes locks, alarms, and practiced safety drills.
Consider concealed carry training and ensure responsible firearm storage.
Teach your kids what to do in emergencies: who to call, where to go, how to react.
Get to know your neighbors and build a community of mutual awareness.
Stay connected with local law enforcement alerts and FBI public advisories.

Videos: Learn More About Domestic Terrorism and Family Safety

(FBI educational content on recognizing radicalization online)

(Tips for parents on cyber safety and family defense)

(Why preparedness matters for every family)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the 764 nihilistic terror group?

764 is an extremist movement described by the FBI as a domestic threat promoting violence without political or religious ideology, rooted in chaos and nihilism.

2. Why did the FBI issue a PSA in March 2025?

Because recruitment efforts and extremist activities linked to 764 were increasing, with youth identified as prime targets for radicalization.

3. How do groups like 764 recruit teens online?

They use gaming platforms, Discord, TikTok, and memes to normalize violence, often hiding their ideology behind humor or rebellion.

4. What signs should parents watch for?

Sudden secrecy about online activity, withdrawal from family, adoption of extremist language or symbols, and fascination with violence.

5. What should I do if I suspect my child is being radicalized?

Stay calm, open dialogue without blame, and contact trusted law enforcement or cyber safety hotlines for guidance.

6. How does firearms training help families?

Firearms training provides not just skill but confidence. At NY Safe, we focus on responsible carry, de-escalation, and defensive readiness.

7. Are nihilistic terror groups only online threats?

No. FBI investigations have tied online radicalization to real-world plots and violent actions in the U.S. and abroad.

8. How can communities work together?

By sharing information, hosting awareness events, and encouraging parents to learn about online risks and real-world safety training.

9. What role do schools play?

Schools can implement digital citizenship programs, provide mental health support, and work with parents to recognize warning signs.

10. How can I stay updated on threats like 764?

Follow the FBI’s IC3 alerts, FBI.gov, and subscribe to safety updates from trusted organizations.

11. What if I don’t own a firearm? Can I still protect my family?

Yes. Protection starts with awareness, planning, and preparedness. Firearms are one layer, but family safety is multi-faceted.

12. Where can I find training near me?

NY Safe offers in-person classes, webinars, and consultations designed for New Yorkers and multi-state licensing.

Conclusion: Families First, Always

The rise of nihilistic groups like 764 is a chilling reminder that terrorism doesn’t just happen “somewhere else.” It happens online, in our neighborhoods, and sometimes in our schools. But knowledge is power, and preparation is defense.

As parents, our job is clear: defend our kids, protect our families, and stay vigilant. That means staying informed, engaging with our children, and seeking training that equips us for both digital and physical threats.

At NY Safe, we stand with families across New York and beyond. Whether through cyber safety education, concealed carry classes, or personal defense programs, our goal is to ensure that you are never unprepared for the dangers of today’s world.