Militia group plans attacks on U.S. weather radar systems

In early May 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned its National Weather Service (NWS) employees across the United States about threats posed by a militia group known as Veterans on Patrol. This group has been gaining notoriety for their radical views, specifically their belief that Doppler weather radars are "weather weapons" utilized by the U.S. military for harmful weather manipulation purposes. Following an internal memo which highlighted several encounters between the group and weather service employees, NOAA urged staff to remain vigilant and alert for suspicious activity around weather facilities. Veterans on Patrol, identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-government militia organization, has been actively promoting these conspiracy theories and preparing for potential actions against the radar systems. Publicly addressing concerns through social media, the militia's leader, Michael “Lewis Arthur” Meyer, confirmed the intention to execute threats against Doppler radar systems and mentioned that the group was conducting "attack simulations." This revelation raises concerns not only about safety but also about the potential impact on weather forecasting capabilities if departmental staff are distracted or afraid to perform their duties. The context of these threats emerges during a tumultuous period for the National Weather Service, which has been grappling with a significant staffing shortage due to layoffs and retirements, resulting in over 90 vacancies. This shortage is aggravated by a hiring freeze currently in place at the agency. As NOAA and law enforcement authorities closely monitor the situation, they emphasize the importance of employee safety, instructing personnel to report any suspicious individuals approaching weather equipment. Despite ongoing incidents, NOAA has reassured its workforce that no confirmed immediate danger exists at present. This situation reflects broader societal tensions around distrust in government agencies and unfounded conspiracy theories gaining traction. Incidents like this, where fringe beliefs translate into real-world threats, pose significant challenges for federal employees. With the potential to disrupt essential services and the continuous need for reliable weather forecasting, it is vital to understand the implications of such emerging extremist ideologies on public safety and weather preparedness.