In the wake of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, many Americans are struggling to understand how a young person like Thomas Matthew Crooks could have been drawn into violent extremism. As our society becomes more polarized, radicalization is no longer a fringe issue—it’s a growing crisis that affects families of all backgrounds.
In a recent WBUR Cognoscenti article, Myrieme Churchill, Executive Director of Parents for Peace, draws a direct connection between rising extremism and human vulnerabilities that all people share: the need for belonging, purpose, and control. She argues that to prevent future tragedies, we must shift from treating extremism as a political issue to recognizing it as a public health crisis.
Extremism Knows No Boundaries
Churchill highlights an alarming statistic: Domestic terrorism-related investigations have surged by 357% over the past decade (U.S. Government Accountability Office). While white supremacy and Islamist extremism still dominate such cases, Parents for Peace sees a growing number of radicalized individuals who do not fit traditional ideological molds:
- Many Islamists are not from Muslim backgrounds.
- An increasing number of white supremacists are not white.
- The far-left’s role in political violence is growing.
- More extremists today are radicalized independently online rather than through organized groups.
“No matter what your politics or ethnicity, you cannot consider yourself immune to the rising tide of extremism,” Churchill warns. Radicalization isn’t about ideology—it’s about vulnerability.
Why Are Young People So Vulnerable?
The rise of social media, online echo chambers, and increasing social isolation has made it easier than ever for young people to fall into radical belief systems. Gen Z is particularly at risk, as studies show they are more likely to report feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and anxiety.
Churchill explains that extremism thrives on simple narratives that provide immediate emotional relief:
- “You are not the problem—others are.”
- “Here’s why you feel lost, and here’s how to take control.”
- “We are the righteous; they are the enemy.”
Young people, especially those struggling with personal grievances, trauma, or mental health challenges, are particularly susceptible to these messages. Without strong relationships, critical thinking skills, and healthy coping mechanisms, they can be pulled into dangerous belief systems before parents even realize what’s happening.
A Public Health Approach to Extremism Prevention
Instead of reacting after tragedies occur, Parents for Peace advocates for proactive, community-based intervention strategies:
- Early detection and intervention: Parents and teachers must recognize warning signs of radicalization, including sudden personality changes, obsession with conspiracy theories, and withdrawal from family and friends.
- Family-based support systems: Families must be equipped with tools to keep open communication with at-risk loved ones. This includes listening without judgment, asking open-ended questions, and setting healthy boundaries.
- Mental health and social connection: Schools and communities must prioritize mental health resources and programs that foster belonging in positive ways.
- Confidential helplines and peer support: Families should have non-law enforcement options, like the Parents for Peace helpline, where they can get expert guidance without fear of criminal consequences.
What If Someone Had Called Our Helpline?
Churchill reflects on the painful question of whether the Crooks family could have prevented their son’s radicalization:
“Suppose his parents had called our helpline when they first noticed the warning signs. We might have helped them address the grievances that drove him. We would have coached his parents to develop a toolbox for approaching their son.”
That toolbox would have included:
- Encouraging quality time together.
- Listening compassionately without debating.
- Guarding media exposure and addressing online influences.
- Connecting with mental health professionals when necessary.
- Joining peer support groups to learn from other families facing similar struggles.
A Call to Action: We Need Each Other to Prevent Extremism
Parents for Peace has seen firsthand that radicalization is not inevitable. It can be stopped—but only if families, educators, and communities act early.
“A society more resilient against radicalization is possible, but we need each other to make that happen.”
If you suspect a loved one may be heading down a dangerous path, you are not alone. Call the Parents for Peace confidential helpline: 1-844-49-PEACE.
To read the full WBUR Cognoscenti article, click here.
