- Three far-right extremists were convicted of terrorism and firearms offences after plotting violent attacks on mosques and preparing for a so-called “race war.”
- Authorities foiled the plan through an intelligence-led operation. The group had been plotting to build illegal weapons, including a 3D-printed firearm.
A white supremacist Nazi inspired terror group was arrested on February 20, 2024, by Counter Terrorism Policing North East after an intelligence-led investigation revealed they were preparing to carry out a violent extremist attack. They were charged six days later under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 for engaging in conduct intended to prepare for terrorist acts.
Brogan Stewart, 25, from Tingley; Marco Pitzettu, 25, of Derby; and Christopher Ringrose, 34, of Cannock, have been found guilty of multiple terrorism and firearms offences following a nine-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17.
The men were part of a self-declared “militant” online group that served as a breeding ground for extreme right-wing ideology. Within this digital echo chamber, they shared abhorrent racist slurs, praised mass murderers, and incited violence against those they considered enemies.
Stewart was one of three terrorists who were preparing to use firearms, explosives and bladed weapons in attacks on mosques, the jury heard.
One month prior to being arrested, Stewart told an undercover officer he called Blackheart on the Telegram platform that his group needed to establish a ‘new einsatzgruppe‘ – a reference to Adolf Hitler’s notorious SS death squad.
“I can’t wait to hang me a p***… Hate them bro… they’re a cancer that needs stamping out… F****** everywhere mate.
“Place is crawling with them… We need to establish a new einsatzgruppe to deal with it… it’s the only way to secure the future of the white race,” he said.
The group openly admired the Nazi regime—a sentiment reflected in their messages. Stewart, described as the group’s ringleader, outlined uniforms, equipment, and operational rules, while Pitzettu and Ringrose were designated as “armourers.”
The terror group also prepared for what they believed to be an impending race war, gathering weapons, protective gear, rations, and other military-style equipment.
Authorities recovered over 200 weapons from their homes, including machetes, swords, hunting knives, and crossbows, along with body armour, riot shields, and survival supplies.
Stewart explained to the undercover officer that he had a ‘information extraction kit’, which included a blow torch, pliers, gaffer tape, a screwdriver, bleach and a syringe.
He was intending to use the extraction kit to torture an Imam.
Pitzettu separately admitted to possessing an illegal stun gun, an offence under the Firearms Act 1968. Ringrose was additionally convicted for illegally manufacturing a 3D-printed firearm.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said:
“Stewart, Pitzettu, and Ringrose have today been rightfully convicted of multiple terrorism offences. They were a group that espoused vile racist views and advocated for violence, all to support their extreme right-wing mindset.
“Some of their defence in court was that it was all fantasy or just part of harmless chat, however all three took real world steps to plan and prepare for carrying out an attack on innocent citizens.
“Due to excellent collaborative work with our partners, we were able to infiltrate the group and arrest them before anyone was harmed.”
Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, added:
“These extremists were plotting violent acts of terrorism against Synagogues, Mosques and Islamic Education Centres. By their own admission, they were inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology.
“Had Christopher Ringrose managed to completely finish building the 3-D printed semi-automatic firearm that he had started to, it could have been used leading to devastating consequences.
“The prosecution case against the defendants included their disturbing Telegram and Facebook chats as well as acquiring military equipment such as riot shields, body armour and an arsenal of weapons found at their home addresses that were to be used in readiness for a ‘race war’.
“We worked closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North East to prepare a strong case against the defendants, and the jury has today convicted them of their crimes. Extremism is a threat to our society and we will always aim to keep communities safe by seeking to prosecute anyone who prepares for acts of terrorism.”
