Patriot Front: The Rise of a White Supremacist Group in America

Patriot Front is a white supremacist and neo-fascist hate group in the United States. Founded by Thomas Ryan Rousseau, the group emerged from Vanguard America after the Unite the Right rally in 2017. Patriot Front uses patriotic imagery to spread its ideology, which includes closed borders and authoritarian government. The group is known for its theatrical demonstrations and propaganda distribution, often targeting racial justice murals and immigrant communities. Despite internal membership fluctuations, Patriot Front remains a leading white supremacist group, generating a significant number of hate incidents across the country.

Patriot Front: The Evolution of Hate in America
Patriot Front, a white supremacist and neo-fascist hate group, has been making headlines for its aggressive and theatrical demonstrations across the United States. Founded by Thomas Ryan Rousseau, the group split from Vanguard America in 2017, following the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. This event marked a turning point for Rousseau, who rebranded Vanguard America as Patriot Front, maintaining its core ideology of white-centered supremacy.

The Ideology

Patriot Front’s ideology is rooted in a version of white supremacy that emphasizes the idea that America was conquered by white ancestors and should remain under their control. The group supports closed borders and authoritarian government, using patriotic imagery to broaden its appeal. This strategy allows them to blend in with mainstream American culture while promoting their extremist views. The use of symbols like the fasces, a symbol of fascism, further underscores their commitment to authoritarianism.

Activities and Events

Patriot Front is known for its tightly choreographed demonstrations, which are designed to maximize propaganda value. In 2018, members marched on an Occupy ICE protest in San Antonio, Texas, vandalizing tents and signs. In 2019, hundreds of racist and anti-immigrant signs were taped up in East Boston, Massachusetts, leading to the arrest of three group members. The group has also been involved in various protests and counter-protests, including a march in Washington, D.C., where they carried flags and signs with messages like “Reclaim America”.

Legal Consequences

The group’s activities have not gone unnoticed by law enforcement. In 2022, police arrested 31 members of Patriot Front near an LGBT Pride event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The group was charged with conspiracy to riot, and several members have since pleaded guilty or had bench warrants issued. In a recent development, a federal judge ordered Patriot Front to pay \$2.7 million in damages to Charles M. Murrel III, a Black musician who was assaulted by the group during a march in Boston in 2022.

Recruitment and Structure

Patriot Front’s recruitment is primarily done online, with the group avoiding discussions about guns or violence in their communications. The group consists of eight regional networks, each with its own chapter. Rousseau has been arrested repeatedly for his involvement in the group’s activities, but he remains at large, continuing to lead the organization from Texas.

Impact and Response

Patriot Front’s activities have been widely condemned by civil rights organizations and community leaders. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has noted that the group generated 82% of reported incidents involving the distribution of racist, antisemitic, and other hateful propaganda in the United States in 2021. In response to these incidents, communities have organized counter-protests and rallies to stand against hate. For instance, after a Patriot Front demonstration in Charleston, West Virginia, the YWCA hosted a Race to End Racism event to promote unity and combat racism.

1. What is the current membership of Patriot Front?
   Answer: As of late 2021, Patriot Front had approximately 200 members, though a 2019 investigation estimated the group had about 300 members.
2. Who is the leader of Patriot Front?
   Answer: Thomas Ryan Rousseau is the leader of Patriot Front. He was a teenager when he founded the group and has been involved in various arrests related to the group’s activities.

3. What is the ideology of Patriot Front?
   Answer: Patriot Front supports a version of white-centered ideology, advocating for closed borders and authoritarian government. They believe that membership in the American nation is inherited through blood, not ink.

4. How does Patriot Front recruit new members?
   Answer: Recruitment is primarily done online, with the group avoiding discussions about guns or violence in their communications. The group uses attention-grabbing techniques like igniting smoke bombs during demonstrations.

5. What are some notable activities and events involving Patriot Front?
   Answer: Notable activities include marching on Occupy ICE protests, vandalizing racial justice murals, distributing racist and anti-immigrant signs, and participating in counter-protests. In 2022, police arrested 31 members near an LGBT Pride event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

6. What legal consequences have Patriot Front members faced?
   Answer: Several members have been arrested and charged with crimes such as conspiracy to riot. In 2023, five members were convicted of misdemeanor conspiracy to riot and sentenced to jail time and fines.

7. How has the community responded to Patriot Front’s activities?
   Answer: Communities have organized counter-protests and rallies to stand against hate. For instance, after a Patriot Front demonstration in Charleston, West Virginia, the YWCA hosted a Race to End Racism event.

8. What is the significance of the recent court ruling against Patriot Front?
   Answer: A federal judge ordered Patriot Front to pay \$2.7 million in damages to Charles M. Murrel III, a Black musician who was assaulted by the group during a march in Boston in 2022. This ruling sets a precedent for holding hate groups accountable for violating civil rights.

9. How does Patriot Front use propaganda to spread its ideology?
   Answer: The group uses patriotic imagery combined with fascist symbolism to broaden its appeal. They distribute flyers and engage in theatrical demonstrations designed to maximize propaganda value.

10. What are some challenges in investigating and prosecuting Patriot Front?
    Answer: One challenge is the lack of cooperation from some law enforcement agencies, which can hinder multi-state investigations. Additionally, the group’s online recruitment and decentralized structure make it difficult to track and prosecute members.

Patriot Front represents a significant threat to American society, promoting a toxic ideology of white supremacy and authoritarianism. Despite internal fluctuations and legal consequences, the group continues to spread hate and engage in violent activities. The recent court ruling against the group serves as a crucial step in holding hate groups accountable for violating civil rights. It is essential for communities and law enforcement to remain vigilant and proactive in combating such extremist organizations, ensuring that the values of equality and justice prevail.