Many parents today will tell you they wish we could go back to simpler times. We’re not talking about 100 years, but maybe 25 or 30. The internet has changed the way we do everything. And although it’s certainly convenient, it’s not always good, particularly when it comes to kids. Children are vulnerable and can become easy targets for unsavory people lurking behind a screen. Right now, authorities are increasingly concerned about 764, a violent extremist group targeting children. The group reportedly preys on youths and convinces them to do horrific things for their own sick satisfaction, and parents need to know what’s happening.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants parents to understand just how dangerous “gore group” 764 is. FBI Chicago shared a public service announcement recently outlining what the group allegedly does.
The video was narrated by Ryan Maxwell, assistant special agent in charge for the Chicago field office, who says, “764 is a violent online group made-up of individuals who seek to coerce and manipulate children into engaging in unspeakable acts against themselves, animals, and other children, even suicide.”
According to the Anti-Defamation League, Bradley Cadenhead started 764 in 2021 at just 15 years old. From there, he’s allegedly recruited others worldwide to help groom youth, gain their trust, and then exploit them.
“Once successfully lured into a private space, victims are quickly subjected to an onslaught of harassment and intimidation, including grooming, sextortion and threats of violence. While the relationship between a victim and a 764 member may initially appear voluntary, the connection is in fact coerced under false pretenses,” the league explained.
“If victims feel shame for what they have done or fear the consequences of seeking help, they may be more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse than try and stop it,” the league added.
Canada takes the threat of 764 so seriously that it became the first country to list 764 as a terrorist entity.
Rania Makarious, who runs the Instagram account @theraniareport, recently posted about 764, encouraging parents to educate themselves before it’s too late.
“The 764 Group is a growing and terrifying #global criminal network actively targeting #kids across the U.S.,” Mankarious explained in a post. “They are moving fast and looking to prey on uninformed/innocent children. Let’s not allow this for our #child or any child.”
“Good God, what a world our kids have to grow up in today. It’s terrifying. Thank you for sharing this!” a thankful person commented.
Others shared their own experiences.
“This happened to someone we know, and thank GOD the Mom had already talked with her teen – he went right to her before it escalated. They were sneaky and he didn’t pick up on it for a while, though,” someone else commented. “I know of stories where the boys didn’t go to their parents but committed suicide instead and that is devastating. It may not be a comfortable conversation but it’s 100% worth it if it can save your kid’s life.”
As parents, we have to take the first step to keep our kids safe. Screen time must be monitored, and kids must be protected. Sadly, there are too many sickos out there, and no one is safe.
