Online vigilante group leader arrested trying to take down alleged pedophile, Mo. officers say

Alex Rosen, the leader of the online vigilante group Predator Poachers, was arrested at a Steak 'n Shake in Branson, Missouri, during a sting operation targeting alleged pedophiles. Rosen, who has gained over 400,000 followers on X for his efforts to expose predators, visited the restaurant on March 26 seeking a particular employee whom he accused of molesting a 12-year-old and suggested had since engaged in similar behavior.

According to a probable cause statement, the restaurant manager asked Rosen to leave multiple times due to concerns about his trespassing. Employees reported feeling intimidated by Rosen's demeanor, which they characterized as aggressive. However, in discussions with police, Rosen denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was merely trying to raise awareness about the employee's past.

The Branson Police Department later stated that Rosen's actions appeared to have the intent to cause emotional distress. Witnesses indicated they felt threatened, fearing he could resort to violence due to his hostile demeanor. Consequently, Rosen was charged with trespassing and harassment.

In a jail interview, Rosen referred to his actions as a "kamikaze mission" and noted that the accused employee was also arrested following police investigation. The Branson Police emphasized the importance of following proper procedures and working with law enforcement to ensure safe and effective operations against potential predators, warning that independent actions might lead to additional risks for victims.

The police department also issued a statement highlighting that groups like Predator Poachers can inadvertently create risks by acting without proper coordination, emphasizing the need for adherence to legal and procedural requirements in such sensitive matters. McClatchy News has reached out to Steak 'n Shake for further comment on the incident.