Hundreds of masked men from the neo-fascist, white supremacist organization Patriot Front marched through Washington DC on the Fourth of July, carrying banners including the Confederate flag. The demonstration occurred on the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding.
March details and route
The group, reportedly led by founder Thomas Rousseau, gathered in front of Union Station before marching toward Capitol Hill, according to WTOP. Members wore white masks and chanted slogans such as “Life, liberty, victory!” and “Reclaim America!” during the Saturday demonstration, as captured in social media videos. Reuters images also showed masked members riding the DC Metro, with other riders looking on warily.
Counter-protests and police response
The white supremacist gathering attracted counter-protesters. In one video, a man with a bullhorn shouted at Patriot Front members: “Every single one of you justifies the fucking right to abortion.” The DC Metropolitan Police Department told Politico that it was “tracking first amendment activities that occurred this morning in the Eastern Market neighborhood,” adding: “MPD recognizes the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views and remains committed to maintaining public safety and security for DC residents and visitors.”
Background on Patriot Front
Patriot Front was founded in 2017 after the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The neo-fascist hate group has gained visibility over the years as white supremacy organizations have been embraced by the Trump administration. In 2022, extremism expert Morgan Moon, an investigative researcher with the ADL Center on Extremism, told the Guardian: “No other white supremacist group operating in the US today is able to match Patriot Front’s ability to produce media, ability to mobilize across the country and ability to finance. That’s what makes them a particular concern.”
Most recently, Patriot Front’s leader claimed involvement in relief efforts after deadly flooding in central Texas last year. The group was last seen marching during Memorial Day weekend at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, according to local affiliate 13News Now.
Political context
Saturday’s march came as former President Donald Trump condemned a supposed “communist menace” in America in a deeply partisan speech to kick off celebrations of the US’s 250th birthday. The White House did not respond to the Guardian’s request for comment on whether Trump condemns the latest march.
