The recent charges against 21-year-old Aram Brunson have once again brought to light the ideological connections between the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF).
Brunson, a resident of Newton, Massachusetts, was charged by the FBI with falsifying information to conceal bomb-making activities, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts on August 29, 2024.
A subsequent investigation allegedly revealed that Brunson sought to engage in what he described as revolutionary direct action and terrorism in support of Armenian causes. FBI
Brunson's case is not just an isolated incident of an individual involved in illicit activities; it underscores a potentially dangerous convergence of nationalist ideologies and militant actions germinating within certain Armenian organisations in the United States.
The FBI's investigation revealed that Brunson had accumulated materials and information necessary for constructing explosive devices. Agents discovered a notebook in his bedroom containing detailed instructions for making Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine (HMTD), a high explosive.
Brunson's involvement with prominent Armenian organizations is well-documented. He participated in the ANCA Eastern Region Internship Program, as acknowledged in a press release by the ANCA Eastern Region in 2021. During this internship, Brunson and other participants were set to be recognized at the 15th Annual ANCA Eastern Region Gala, highlighting their contributions to the organisation's initiatives.
Further, Brunson's writings for The Armenian Weekly provide insight into his ideological leanings. In his open letter titled "It’s Time to Sober Up," published on January 18, 2023, he addresses his "AYF comrades," urging a reevaluation of their strategies and approaches. This piece suggests a deep engagement with the AYF and a desire to influence its direction.
Brunson also attended the ARF Bureau Youth Leadership Seminar, an event aimed at empowering young Armenian activists. The seminar, themed "Lighting the Fires of ARF Youth," focused on cultivating leadership skills and fostering a strong connection to the ARF's mission and values.
The intersection of Brunson's activities and his affiliations raises concerns about the potential for nationalist ideologies to manifest in extremist actions. The ARF, historically known for its role in Armenian national movements, has been associated with terrorist activities in the past. Brunson's involvement with the ARF's youth leadership programs suggests exposure to these nationalist narratives.
ARF offshoots Justice Commandoes of Armenian Genocide and Armenian National Army carried out at least two terrorist attacks in Australia, another two were foiled by security agencies.
The AYF, as the youth wing of the ARF, plays a significant role in shaping the perspectives of young Armenian-Americans. Brunson's open letter to the AYF indicates his influence within the organization and his commitment to its cause. His call for sobriety in strategy hints at internal discussions about the direction and methods of their activism.
Australian security agencies back in early 1980s concluded that terror groups were recruiting operatives from among AYF organisations. Some of their so-called youth camps were put under surveillance as agents recorded "military style" activities of a splinter group.
According to the FBI's press release, Brunson misled federal agents about his possession of bomb-making materials and his intentions. The discovery of detailed explosive recipes in his possession should be alarming, especially when viewed in conjunction with his organisational affiliations.
Earlier in 1990s, an ANC chairman, Mourad Topalian was convicted of possessing explosives in a warehouse he owned. Even in Australia, Melbourne bombers of Turkish Conulate General in 1986, Levon Demirian and Hagop Levonian were connected to ANC and ARF, according to security files.
Experts studying ethnic violence in diaspora communities argue the need for Brunson's case to prompt a reevaluation of how nationalist organisations operate within diaspora communities.
Advocacy for cultural and national identity is a legitimate pursuit, and the line is crossed when such advocacy turns towards militancy or violence. The ideological networks connecting the ANC, ARF, and AYF may inadvertently provide a platform for radicalisation if not carefully monitored, according to experts.
The arrest of Aram Brunson serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked nationalist ideologies within community organisations. It underscores the importance of vigilance by both authorities and organisational leaders to prevent the escalation of advocacy into extremist actions.
As investigations continue, it remains crucial for communities to foster open dialogue and ensure that their pursuits for justice do not veer into illegality or violence.
Newton Man Charged in Scheme to Conceal Bomb-Making, U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts.
ANCA Eastern Region Interns to be Recognized at 15th Annual ANCA Eastern Region Gala, ANCA Eastern Region.
An Open Letter to My AYF Comrades: It’s Time to Sober Up, The Armenian Weekly.
ARF Bureau Youth Leadership Seminar: Lighting the Fires of ARF Youth, The Armenian Weekly.
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