Patriot Front: White Supremacists, Feds, or Both?
Biden says White Supremacy is our Nation's Greatest Threat. According to the ADL Patriot Front is Responsible for 80% of White Supremacy Propaganda. [UPDATED]
In light of recent events and ongoing legal developments, it's pertinent to revisit my previous coverage of the Patriot Front, a group that has continued to make headlines in the realm of white supremacy activism.
Just today, members of the Patriot Front were seen marching in New York City, their faces masked, an action that echoes their previous activities but with a renewed vigor despite the group's legal entanglements. This march follows the June 2022 arrest of 31 members near an Idaho Pride event for conspiracy to riot. As of January 2024, the outcomes of these legal proceedings have varied.
Five members, after being found guilty of misdemeanor charges, received three days in jail, a year of unsupervised probation, and a fine of $1,000 each. Alexander Sisenstein, another member, was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation and a $500 fine for disturbing the peace. The remaining 25 are still awaiting trial, highlighting the ongoing nature of this issue.
Our previous examination of Patriot Front revealed their widespread influence in propagating white supremacy propaganda, being responsible for a shocking 80% of such material in the U.S., despite their relatively small size. With an estimated membership of 200-250 individuals, excluding Hawaii and Kansas, their largest contingents are in states like Texas, California, and New York.
Interestingly, the group's activities and the heavy police presence during their marches have raised questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the Patriot Front. For instance, during a march in Washington, D.C., police officers were seen providing escort to the group, blocking media and counter-protesters from following them. This has fueled speculations about a possible conspiracy between the group and the police.
Moreover, information obtained through FOIA requests reveals that the FBI has been closely monitoring Patriot Front for years. This brings to mind similar situations with other extremist groups, where a significant number of members turned out to be federal informants or agents. Such instances have led to theories about the group being a 'honeypot' for entrapping white supremacists, with a focus more on spreading propaganda rather than engaging in violence.
One nagging question I have is why was Patriot Front shockingly absent from the January 6th protest at the Capitol—the literal SuperBowl of conservative protests? Where were they? It occurs to me that it is likely that the federal agents and assets that make up the organization were undercover as Trump supporters. What do you think?
The discernible pattern of federal infiltration within extremist factions casts doubt on their actual leadership and purpose. A notable example is the Proud Boys, where figures like Enrico Tarrio were embroiled in a network dense with informants, significantly shaping the group's strategies and actions. Similarly, in the case of the Wolverine Watchmen, out of their 17 members, an astounding 12 were either undercover FBI agents or compensated informants. This high level of government involvement in such groups calls into question the authenticity of their agendas and the extent of their independently organized activities.
The recent developments surrounding Patriot Front, particularly the legal outcomes and ongoing trials of its members, add a new layer to our understanding of the group. It's crucial to consider who is currently leading Patriot Front and the extent of federal involvement within its ranks. The group's continued activity, despite significant legal and leadership challenges, points to a complex dynamic that warrants further scrutiny.
In conclusion, the contrast between the public persona of Patriot Front and the underlying complexities of its operation and leadership reveals a nuanced picture of modern extremist groups. It's essential to remain vigilant and informed about these developments, recognizing these organizations are more likely than not the creations of the federal government.