FBI says followers of QAnon conspiracy theory could engage in "violent action"

Washington — The FBI warned this month in a public assessment on the threat posed by QAnon that some followers of the conspiracy theory could engage in real-world violence after forecasts made in online posts have not come to fruition.

The two-page assessment prepared for Congress by the FBI said that adherents of QAnon could harm Democrats and other political opponents who they believe are part of a corrupt cabal of global elites and government actors. The conspiracy theory holds that this cabal runs a Satan-worshipping international sex trafficking ring and plotted to orchestrate a coup against former President Donald Trump during his presidency. The alleged members will be punished for their purported crimes, adherents believe.