Some activists and political figures opposing data centers in Virginia, particularly in Frederick County, have appeared connected to the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), a Marxist-Leninist group that aims to replace U.S. capitalism with socialism, according to public records, social media, and news reports.

Data center opposition in Virginia has grown due to concerns over rising electricity demand and costs, water usage, noise pollution, and proximity of facilities to residential areas, especially in Northern Virginia where the industry is concentrated. Protect Frederick, an independent community group of Frederick County residents, actively opposes these projects.

A local activist involved in the movement led a June 3 protest in Winchester and helped create Protect Frederick’s website, as reported by the Winchester Star. This activist expressed fears about security risks, citing infrastructure failures and cyber attacks in 2026, questioning if Frederick County might become a target.

The same individual is also active in anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests and led Free Palestine chants at a 2023 downtown Winchester protest, stating, “The Palestinian people need us to speak for them,” according to the Winchester Star.

To join the PSL, candidates undergo a rigorous months-long training and vetting process emphasizing revolutionary discipline and rapid mass politicization, as described in a 2024 article by the Marxist outlet Cosmonaut Magazine.

Additionally, Shanghai-based left-wing billionaire Neville Roy Singham reportedly funneled significant funds into U.S. nonprofit groups linked to PSL activities and is connected to Chinese Communist Party propaganda entities, according to a 2024 report by the Network Contagion Research Institute.

Sources