Bulwark Takes: Detailed Summary of "Right-Wing Militia’s Wild Plot to Destroy the Weather System"

Episode Overview Title: Right-Wing Militia’s Wild Plot to Destroy the Weather System
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Description: In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Andrew Egger and correspondent Will Summer delve into the alarming activities of a right-wing militia group, Veterans on Patrol, led by Lewis Arthur. The discussion centers on their bizarre conspiracy theories about weather control and their threats to destroy Doppler weather radar systems across the United States.

1. Introduction to the Threat

Timestamp: [01:43]

Andrew Egger opens the discussion by highlighting recent concerning headlines about militia groups targeting federal infrastructure. He specifically references a CNN report about a militarized conspiracy theorist group's intentions to sabotage Doppler weather radars, crucial for both weather forecasting and military operations. Egger sets the stage for an in-depth analysis with Will Summer, the correspondent for “all things wild and crazy and far out on the right.”

2. Overview of the Militia Group: Veterans on Patrol

Timestamp: [02:30]

Will Summer introduces Veterans on Patrol, a group led by Lewis Arthur, who is notably not a veteran. This organization has a history of engaging in various conspiracy theories and issuing threats against federal infrastructure. Summer emphasizes that despite Arthur’s claims, he has faced legal issues and his group has been active for over seven years.

3. Beliefs and Motivations Behind the Threats

Timestamp: [02:30] – [03:57]

Will Summer explains that Lewis Arthur believes Doppler radar systems are used to control the weather, particularly citing Hurricane Helene in North Carolina as an example of governmental manipulation to drive people away from mineral-rich lands.

Lewis Arthur’s Statement:

"[03:27] 'They've been playing God with the weather too long. They murdered my families in western North Carolina... That was a weather weapon. That was a United States military playing God with the weather.'"

Arthur declares his intention to destroy these "weather weapons", viewing the radar systems as tools of oppression.

4. History and Activities of Lewis Arthur and His Group

Timestamp: [05:42] – [07:15]

Will Summer provides background on Lewis Arthur, detailing his 2018 activities in Arizona where he claimed to have discovered child trafficking operations linked to QAnon conspiracy theories. His aggressive stance has led to clashes with local communities and law enforcement.

Lewis Arthur’s Declaration:

"[05:42] 'I want you to help me. I want to help your family... I want to help you by just stop doing the threats.'"

Arthur’s rhetoric underscores his combative approach, urging immediate action against what he perceives as governmental overreach.

5. Escalation of Threats and Online Activities

Timestamp: [07:29] – [10:05]

Will Summer discusses the recent escalation in threats, including videos posted on Telegram where Arthur and his followers simulate “dry runs” for attacks on radar sites. These actions demonstrate a serious intent to transition from rhetoric to potential violence.

Correspondent’s Interaction:

"[09:36] 'What I would like you to do is stop calling for any attached. What do you want me to do? Stop doing that.'"

The correspondence highlights attempts by others to de-escalate Arthur’s threats, emphasizing the need for intervention before violent actions occur.

6. Comparisons to January 6th and Broader Militia Movements

Timestamp: [10:24] – [13:28]

Andrew Egger draws parallels between the current situation and the January 6th Capitol riot, noting how initial benign activities can rapidly escalate into significant violence. The discussion underscores the challenge in monitoring and addressing decentralized militia groups that proliferate across various online platforms.

Will Summer’s Insight:

"[12:20] 'As you said, they're spread across all these channels... you have to look for when it spills over into the real world.'"

The conversation highlights the difficulty in tracking such groups due to their fragmented presence online and emphasizes the importance of proactive law enforcement measures.

7. Law Enforcement Response and Potential Actions

Timestamp: [08:40] – [12:43]

The hosts discuss the law enforcement strategies in place to handle such threats. Despite Arthur’s active threats, there has been minimal visible intervention, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current measures.

Will Summer’s Observation:

"[10:05] 'If you start attacking federal infrastructure, there's probably going to be some blowback.'"

The dialogue suggests that while immediate actions may seem insufficient, persistent threats are likely to provoke a stronger governmental response over time.

8. Broader Implications and Future Risks

Timestamp: [13:19] – [13:51]

Andrew Egger reflects on the growing trend of right-wing militia groups and their potential to cause real harm if their threats materialize. The hosts express hope that authorities are monitoring Arthur’s activities to prevent any actual attacks on critical infrastructure.

Will Summer’s Closing Remarks:

"[13:28] 'A lot of this stuff is just totally ludicrous.'"

Despite recognizing the absurdity of some conspiracy theories, the conversation underscores the real dangers posed by such groups when their rhetoric turns into tangible threats.

9. Conclusion

The episode concludes with a call to remain vigilant against the rising tide of militia groups espousing unfounded conspiracy theories. Andrew Egger and Will Summer emphasize the importance of monitoring these organizations to prevent potential threats to national security.

Notable Quotes:

• Lewis Arthur [03:27]: "They've been playing God with the weather too long. They murdered my families in western North Carolina... That was a weather weapon. That was a United States military playing God with the weather."

• Correspondent [09:36]: "What I would like you to do is stop calling for any attached. What do you want me to do? Stop doing that."

• Will Summer [12:20]: "As you said, they're spread across all these channels... you have to look for when it spills over into the real world."

• Will Summer [13:28]: "A lot of this stuff is just totally ludicrous."

Final Thoughts This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive examination of the alarming intentions of right-wing militia groups like Veterans on Patrol. Through detailed analysis and firsthand insights, the hosts shed light on the complex landscape of modern militia movements and the urgent need for effective law enforcement strategies to mitigate potential threats to national infrastructure.