From Opportunists to Planners: A Typology of Criminal Protester

• In Event: Understanding Political Violence and Public Safety: Insights from Protest Crimes, Hate Crimes, Radicalization, and Counterterrorism

Abstract

Following George Floyd’s killing in May 2020, protests and riots erupted across the United States. While most demonstrations were non-violent, some individuals engaged in protest-related crimes. However, few scholars have examined the individual and event-level characteristics of these criminal protesters. This study analyzed 354 individuals federally charged with protest-related crimes between May and September 2020. Using latent class analysis, we developed a taxonomy of criminal protesters based on their motives, tactics, and backgrounds. Findings suggest that most protesters were opportunistic rather than driven by political extremism. However, a notable subgroup was ideologically motivated, engaging in pre-offense planning and exhibiting tactical creativity. These results highlight the diversity among individuals charged with protest-related crimes and underscore the relevance of criminological theory in explaining different types of criminal protesters.

Author

• Michael Logan, Kennesaw State University