All articles tagged with #hate groups
The FBI has ended its relationship with the Southern Poverty Law Center, citing an administration effort to combat anti-Christian bias and political pressures, following similar disaffiliations with the Anti-Defamation League, amidst ongoing debates over hate group classifications and extremism tracking.
"Active clubs," a strand of the white nationalist movement, have been growing in the US over the past three years and are now making themselves more visible. These decentralized cells, often dressed in tactical gear and masks, emphasize mixed martial arts training and are preparing for political and racially motivated violence. The Northwest Nationalist Network, based in the Pacific Northwest, has been particularly active, but similar groups have emerged in other states. The rise of these active clubs can be attributed to Robert Rundo, a self-professed fascist and white nationalist who has established trans-Atlantic ties with hate groups. While some groups openly embrace neo-Nazism, others have taken a more subtle approach. These active clubs have recently clashed with other far-right groups, but their common goal of spreading extreme ideologies remains a concern.
"Active clubs," a strand of the white nationalist movement, have been growing in the U.S. over the past three years, with members organizing and recruiting through combat sports and preparing for politically and racially motivated violence. These decentralized cells, inspired by European far-right extremism, have been targeting LGBTQ events and spreading their message of hate in public. The movement is led by Robert Rundo, who has deepened ties with similar hate groups internationally. While some groups openly embrace neo-Nazism, others have taken a more covert approach. The increased public activity of these active clubs has led to conflicts with other far-right groups, but experts warn that their shared goal of intimidating the LGBTQ community highlights the need to address the rise of extremism in America.
The Charleston County Moms for Liberty chapter has been labeled an extremist, anti-government organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in its annual Year in Hate & Extremism Report. The designation puts Moms for Liberty on the same list as neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and anti-LGBTQ+ groups. The SPLC claims the group is anti-teacher, anti-student, and anti-LGBTQ+. However, the group's chairwoman, Tara Wood, denies the allegations and says they are anti-government overreach. The SPLC tracked 30 active groups in South Carolina, and the increase this year is entirely made of the various Moms for Liberty organizations in 15 different counties.
A small group of protestors, including members of a white-supremacist group called the Patriot Front, gathered for a drag brunch at Element 41 restaurant in Chardon Square, Ohio, but there were no violent confrontations. The event followed a week of tension and rumors of violence from hate groups. Law enforcement was on high alert, but the brunches went ahead as planned. Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights stood behind barriers carrying signs that read “Drag’s Not A Crime,” “Fascists Go Home,” and “Pro-Peace, Pro-LGBT.”
Police in Geauga County are urging organizers to cancel a drag queen brunch and story hour event scheduled for Saturday due to a "realistic threat" of violence from organized protests and counter-protests. The church hosting the event has said they plan to move forward with the event despite receiving threats and vandalism. The church is confident in their security plan and is raising funds for extra security measures. They have called on police to focus on keeping hate groups away instead of asking them to cancel the event.