The Anti-Vigilante Task Force, formerly known as the Vigilante Operations Division, is a specialized division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation dedicated to the identification, surveillance, and apprehension of costumed vigilantes operating in violation of the Keene Act. Established in response to ongoing threats posed by unsanctioned masked individuals, the task force operates with federal authority and broad jurisdiction across the United States.
History[]
Following the implementation of the Keene Act in 1977, which outlawed unsanctioned vigilantism, many former costumed adventurers either retired, went underground, or were apprehended. In response to the ongoing threat posed by rogue masked individuals, the Federal Bureau of Investigation formed an internal unit known as the Vigilante Operations Division during the late 20th century. Its primary mission was to track, monitor, and neutralize vigilantes.
Between April 24, 1995, and 2019, the Vigilante Operations Division was restructured and rebranded as the Anti-Vigilante Task Force. The change marked a shift toward a more aggressive and uncompromising approach to dealing with masked justice, likely in response to the resurgence of costumed individuals and escalating tensions related to race, identity, and law enforcement, particularly in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The unit is most notably led by Special Agent Laurie Blake, formerly known as the vigilante Silk Spectre II. Drawing from her unique background as a former masked adventurer and daughter of two Minutemen (Sally Jupiter and Eddie Blake), Blake brings a ruthless, sardonic, and highly tactical perspective to her role. Under her leadership, the Task Force does not hesitate to confront the moral ambiguity of masked justice head-on.
Blake is deployed to Tulsa following the murder of Police Chief Judd Crawford, a crime initially suspected to be the work of the white supremacist group known as the Seventh Kavalry. Her investigation uncovers deeper layers of conspiracy involving not only vigilantes but also hidden histories and institutional power.
Members[]
| Name | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Laurie Blake | Special Agent | Active |
| David Latimer | Special Agent | Active |
| Dinwitty | Special Agent | Active |
| Dale Petey | Agent | Fired |