The FBI is stepping up its fight against a dangerous online group known as the “764” network, a twisted organization that targets children across the United States. The group has been spreading fast through social media platforms popular with kids and teens, using tricks and threats to force them into violent and abusive acts. These acts are then shared with other members of the network. It’s a crisis that cuts deep into our national security, and it’s one more reason why strong leadership and law enforcement support are vital in protecting American families.
According to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, more than 300 investigations are active across the country, each tied to the 764 network. Two recent arrests in Maryland and Arizona show just how widespread and serious this threat has become. In the Baltimore case, an individual was arrested for targeting five children, including a 13-year-old. Federal agents say the suspect used online platforms to manipulate and abuse minors. In Arizona, another suspect is accused of harming at least nine children. The charges include child pornography, cyberstalking, and even providing support to terrorist groups.
It’s not just about sick and twisted crimes. This is a matter of national security. The fact that these predators are using American tech platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Roblox to target our children shows how vulnerable our digital infrastructure has become. And when child exploitation crosses into support for terrorism, it becomes clear that this is more than just a law enforcement issue — it’s a homeland security emergency.
The 764 network started in 2021, founded by a Texas teenager named Bradley “Felix” Cadenhead. He ran a group called CVLT and used his ZIP code, 764, as a code name for the network. Since then, it has grown into a dark web of online communities, often referred to as “The COM.” These groups share violent content, normalize abuse, and encourage kids to take part in acts that destroy lives.
This is a wake-up call for parents, schools, and lawmakers. Bongino is urging families to monitor what their kids are doing online. That includes setting limits on screen time, using parental controls, and having open conversations about online safety. But the truth is, even the most careful parent can’t fight this threat alone. Federal law enforcement needs the tools, funding, and political support to keep pushing back against these criminals.
One of the most alarming parts of this story is how the 764 network uses fear and shame to control children. They trick or pressure kids into sending videos of themselves doing harmful or illegal things. Then they use those videos to blackmail the children into doing even worse acts. These videos are then shared across the network, feeding a cycle of abuse that’s hard to stop.
This kind of online manipulation is not just a personal tragedy for the victims. It’s also a form of psychological warfare targeting the next generation of Americans. When kids are exposed to these horrors, it can damage their minds and futures. And as we’ve seen in other areas of national concern — from school shootings to online radicalization — the internet can be a breeding ground for violence if left unchecked.
The Biden-era weakness on border control, crime, and digital threats helped let networks like 764 grow in the shadows. Now, under President Trump’s renewed focus on law and order, federal agencies are finally being given the green light to go on offense. But this battle is far from over.
This is not just about catching predators. It’s about defending our children, our communities, and our nation’s future. These kinds of online threats weaken America from the inside out. They target the most vulnerable, corrupt our digital spaces, and even help fund or support extremist groups. If we don’t treat this as a national emergency, we risk losing more than just a few cases — we risk losing a generation.
The fight against the 764 network must continue without compromise. And the American people must stay informed, stay involved, and stay vigilant.