Cross Down

The January 6, 2021 attack on the capitol building is referenced early in the novel as, “a violent mob that threatens our institutions” (8). Throughout the novel, January 6 is referenced as a cautionary tale, an example of what could happen again if American citizens remain divided and how hate groups could be leveraged to create chaos and fear, leading to the installation of a dictator.

Treason, seditious conspiracy, and acts of insurrection play significant roles in the novel. The narrative frequently refers to the coordinated group of shadowy figures leading the attacks as insurrectionists. Title 18, section 2384 of the Code of Laws defines sedition as American citizens conspiring to overthrow their government, opposing government authority, or seizing US property. Insurrection, under code 18, section 2383 of the Code of Laws, is the violent action taken to achieve seditious aims (“United States Code.” Office of the Law Revision Counsel). Finally, article III of the US Constitution defines treason as an act of war against the United States (“The Constitution of the United States.” National Archives). All three criminal actions are present in Cross Down, and the perpetrators behind each crime work together to achieve their desired outcome of toppling the executive branch. The FBI agent who attempts to arrest the mastermind in Cross Down cites treason and seditious conspiracy, among other charges.

The antagonist plans to utilize a small army of dedicated insurrectionists to harness the division and hatred in American politics and weaponize that hatred to spur average Americans to acts of terror and violence against their fellow citizens. Harry Maynard, a former government employee-turned-insurrectionist in Cross Down, trains and leads an army of former government employees who believe adamantly in the righteousness of their actions: “There’s a rot or something going on within all areas of the government, civilian and military. Different philosophies: anti-government, anti-progressive, anti-conservative. Just a series of hate groups that have members everywhere” (86). The architect of the conspiracy explains his rationalization as, “taking all of the hate groups and stirring them into one pot” (394). Further, “eventually they were going to tear this nation apart. I just took them under my wing” (394). His goal is to overthrow the government, take control, and rule as a dictator.