Key player in false Talarico rumor has history of online posts invoking Nazi Germany

Key Points:

• Ryan Amacher, an influencer from Lake Oswego, Oregon, played a central role in spreading false claims that James Talarico was admitted to a mental health facility, a hoax that was briefly amplified by a staffer from Talarico’s Republican rival’s campaign.
• Amacher has a documented history of extremist social media posts expressing admiration for Nazi Germany, antisemitism, anti-Black racism, opposition to miscegenation, and calls for the "remigration" of refugees, aligning with far-right ideologies and groups like Germany’s AfD.
• He has made numerous hateful and racist remarks, including dehumanizing Muslims and Black Africans, promoting conspiracy theories about Jewish figures, and advocating violent measures against migrants and minorities.
• Amacher’s false inquiry at the Lindner Center of Hope in Ohio involved impersonating a relative to access private health information, actions that may lead to legal consequences amid the fallout from the discredited rumor.
• Despite a relatively modest social media following compared to other rightwing influencers, Amacher remains active within Republican political circles and far-right online communities, continuing to promote extremist views and disinformation.