Independent journalist Christina Urso, who writes under the pseudonym Radix Verum, claims to have been “de-banked” by Bank of America following her production of a documentary that highlights the FBI’s involvement in a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
In a video posted on X, Urso alleged that the bank did not explain why it canceled her account.
I have been de-banked by Bank of America. They are currently holding my funds hostage. pic.twitter.com/PvNkhldP4e
— Radix Verum (@NotRadix) May 13, 2024
Others, including several January 6 defendants, have also had their accounts canceled, according to posts by Urso, whose pen name translates to “the source of the truth.”
Christian individuals and organizations have also found themselves “de-banked” by the company, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
“So Bank of America has decided to ‘terminate’ their business relationship with me,” Urso said in the video. “Their ‘risk department’ made this determination for literally no reason. I have been with them for years. This is clearly because of my documentary and my critical reporting.”
Urso’s documentary suggests the kidnapping plot was orchestrated by undercover operatives working for the FBI, not the leaders of a Michigan militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen.
Of the 14 individuals arrested for the plot, four pled guilty to various charges, two were found guilty after a hung jury, and three others were convicted of felony gang membership charges. Only five were acquitted.
The Intercept gained access to FBI records that indicate the agency may have used confidential sources and undercover operators to initiate and plan the plot rather than the militia leaders, as was charged in court. Three undercover informants and two special agents participated in the plot, which was alleged to have been orchestrated in response to the COVID-19 lockdowns in the state.
Bank of America has previously provided information to the U.S. government, including bank records belonging to customers involved in the January 6, 2021, protest at the Capitol, as reported by DX. Details surrounding hotel stays, firearms purchases, and air travel were provided without the government’s request, and the customers affected were not notified of the disclosure.
Bank of America is not the only financial institution facing allegations of de-banking, which is known within the industry as “de-risking.” On March 7, 2024, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a letter demanding that Wells Fargo answer for its own de-banking policies.
“Wells Fargo is pushing the Biden administration’s anti-gun and anti-traditional energy policies and discriminating against customers who don’t fall in line with their political beliefs,” Knudsen claimed. “As attorney general, it’s my job to protect Montanans from discriminatory business practices. I will continue to investigate and fight against any illegal actions that could impact Montana businesses and consumers.”
In that matter, Wells Fargo was accused of de-banking oil and gas producers who do not meet environmental regulations to achieve its emission reduction goals.
Urso said the de-banking of her account came at a bad time, as she was set to film another documentary in the coming weeks and no longer has access to the funds she needs for travel and to pay staff for the project.
