QAnon Beyond Q

Hi all, it’s Eric. The QAnon conspiracy theory is expanding, winning over mainstream converts by focusing on calls to end human trafficking. Attempting to co-opt broader anti-trafficking efforts is a relatively recent shift, one that actually makes QAnon more dangerous, because it gives permission to normal people—and Republican politicians—to jump on board. After all, who can oppose a movement to #SaveTheChildren?

QAnon first emerged on obscure internet forums, and following along meant sifting through an ever-evolving series of cryptic catchphrases and symbology. This made the conspiracy theory appealing to a group of hardcore users, but inaccessible to most others. From there it slowly drifted outward. QAnon symbols began to appear at Trump rallies, and fringe Republican political candidates began professing support. An New York police union leader seemed to show his support with a Q coffee mug.