Patriot Front Members Arrested in Idaho for Posting White Supremacist Materials

Members of the white supremacist hate group Patriot Front were arrested in Wallace, Idaho on Friday for posting stickers and flyers promoting their ideology in the downtown area. The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident and cited the individuals for a misdemeanor offense before releasing them.

The flyers distributed by the Patriot Front members included anti-government phrases, according to law enforcement. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported that there were 21 active antigovernment and hate groups operating in Idaho in 2022.

Why this matters: The arrest of Patriot Front members in Idaho highlights the ongoing presence and activities of white supremacist and antigovernment groups in the state. The distribution of hate-filled propaganda materials raises concerns about the potential impact on local communities and the need for vigilance against extremist ideologies.

This incident comes less than two years after 31 Patriot Front members were arrested in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in June 2022 for conspiring to riot at a Pride event. The men were found in a U-Haul truck equipped with homemade riot shields and smoke grenades. Five of those arrested were later convicted of misdemeanor conspiracy to riot charges in July 2022.

Patriot Front is a known white supremacist and neo-fascist hate group that promotes a racist and antisemitic agenda. The group's activities, such as the distribution of propaganda materials and planned disruptions of LGBTQ+ events, have raised concerns among civil rights organizations and local communities.

The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office emphasized that the investigation into the recent incident in Wallace is ongoing. "We take these matters seriously and will continue to work diligently to protect our community from hate and extremism," a spokesperson for the sheriff's office stated. The identities of the individuals arrested have not been released at this time.

Key Takeaways

• Patriot Front members arrested in Wallace, Idaho for posting hate group propaganda
• Flyers included anti-government phrases, raising concerns about extremist ideologies
• Incident follows 2022 arrest of 31 Patriot Front members in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
• Patriot Front is a known white supremacist and neo-fascist hate group
• Shoshone County Sheriff's Office investigating the incident, emphasizing protection from hate