Disturbing Online Movement Targets Children, Authorities Warn

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A new government intelligence report obtained by CNN reveals a growing online movement of 'nihilist extremists' calling themselves '764' who are using the internet to groom and manipulate children into committing heinous acts. The report ties this movement to recent events like a school shooting in Nashville and attacks abroad, and suggests it is expanding and could lead to more 'mass casualty events'. One father whose daughter was a victim described how the extremists 'love-bombed' and 'groomed' her, convincing her to self-mutilate and provide nude photos as a form of blackmail before she died by suicide.

Why it matters

This disturbing report highlights the growing threat of online extremist movements targeting vulnerable children, raising serious concerns about child safety and the need for stronger measures to protect minors from exploitation and manipulation on the internet.

The details

According to the government intelligence report obtained by CNN, the 'nihilist extremist' group calling itself '764' is using the internet to groom and manipulate children into committing horrific acts. The group has been linked to a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as at least four attacks abroad. The report suggests this movement is expanding and could lead to more 'mass casualty events' in the future. One father whose daughter was a victim described how the extremists 'love-bombed' and 'groomed' her, convincing her to self-mutilate and provide nude photos as a form of blackmail before she died by suicide.

• The government report was obtained by CNN in February 2026.
• The father's daughter died by suicide in February 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Law enforcement is just starting to understand the scope of the '764' movement and is working to investigate its activities and prevent further exploitation of children.