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Jun 16, 20

This Week in Fascism #64: Far-Right Violence Escalates As Trump Ramps Up Rhetoric

Welcome, fellow antifascists!

This week far-Right and vigilante violence against Black Lives Matter demonstrators ramped up. We’ve go reports of someone shot at a statue protest in Albuquerque, New Mexico by a militia member; Proud Boys attacking someone in Seattle, WA; violent Trump supporters clashing with a rural Black Lives Matter demonstration in Ohio; neo-Nazis pulling a gun on people outside of Pittsburgh; and a Unicorn Riot reporter attacked by white vigilantes while the police watched and then threatened to arrest the reporter for
“inciting a riot.” Meanwhile, a Boogaloo PR manual has been leaked, a slew of arrests have taken place following previous far-Right incidents and attacks and we got doxxes of Operation: Werewolf, the Three Percenters, and more!

Without further ado, let’s begin!

News

Albuquerque Militia Member Opens Fire at Protest Calling for the Removal of Spanish Conquistador Statue, Injures One

Protesters attempting to pull down a statue of Conquistador Juan de Oñate, a brutal colonial governor who oversaw Spanish rule and the 1599 Acoma Massacre, faced off against heavily armed members of the New Mexico Civil Guard today. At one point, a counter-demonstrator took out a pistol and was pushed away from the statue by demonstrators, after which he opened fire, injuring one person who was taken to the hospital. Police then made several arrests of armed militia members. Social media identified the shooter as Steven Baca, the son of a former Sheriff and once a Albuquerque city council candidate who also traveled to the 2016 RNC convention as an Alternative Delegate.

Nick Estes of the Red Nation reported that, “On the Abq police scanners, cops referred to the New Mexico Civil Guard as “armed friendlies.”

Neo-Nazis Hold Pro-Fascism Rally in Bloomfield, PA, Pull Gun on Community Members who Oppose Them

About 15 neo-Nazis, some associated with the Keystone State Skinheads/United street gang, held an “Anti-Antifa” rally outside of an anarchist bookstore in Bloomfield, Pennsylvania. The racist skinheads, many with visible neo-Nazi tattoos, attempted to distribute flyers attacking the bookstore as “ANTIFA,” as dozens of community members mobilized to oppose them.

According to the Filler Collective:

Around 6:45, [reports of] one fascist assaulting someone who was documenting his activities outside of Silky’s Bar on Liberty Ave. Around 6:45, police arrived at the scene outside of Silky’s Bar. The police and several others separated the fascists from the locals and two officers briefly spoke to two of the neo-Nazis. A few minutes later the police and the Nazis shook hands and went their separate ways.

A few blocks up the street, another splinter group of four Nazis began taunting 10 local anti-fascists and other residents outside of Lou’s Corner Bar. As the video shows, the Nazis went to their parked vehicle. One of them pulled a handgun out of the backseat, chambered a round, and threatened the people filming him. The neo-Nazis drove off shortly after. 

Unicorn Riot Reporter Attacked By White Vigilantes Screaming “Kill Em!”

Unicorn Riot reporter Chris Schiano was attacked by a vigilante gang of white men armed with baseball bats and guns while reporting on the group defending the Christopher Columbus statue in Philadelphia’s Marconi Plaza.

“You’re so scared. Aren’t you embarrassed?” asked the man who initiated the attack on Schiano, later identified by antifascist researchers as John P. Alice, 36, of Philadelphia, owner of JA Painting and Remodeling. Alice began the attack by hitting Schiano’s bicycle with a metal bat. “So what do you think about how Christopher Columbus cut off the hands of people who didn’t bring him enough gold?,” Schiano asked, continuing to report. “They were fucking savages back then,” answered one of group. In total, the group numbered around 100 people, almost exclusively white.

At that point, a man hit Schiano in the head while his bicycle was grabbed. Though police were watching, they did not intervene. “If you’re gonna talk shit, get the fuck out of here,” said the man with Schiano’s bike as he dumped it on the sidewalk. At that point, another man grabbed Schiano and shoved him while a third man, wearing a Frank Rizzo t-shirt, pulled a knife and slashed both tires on Schiano’s bike. (Rizzo was a former Philadelphia Police Commissioner and Mayor with a long history of brutality, corruption, and racialized policing).

Schiano continued to film the vigilantes from the sidewalk for a few more minutes before he rushed by another man, identified by antifascist researchers as Michael Renzulli, Block Captain for 12th and Ritner, and the owner of Philly’s Finest Construction. A police officer then threatened Schiano with arrest for inciting a riot. Antifascist researchers quickly identified the officer as Captain Louis Campione. Antifascists also identified Anthony Fusco as one of the men present. Police did not arrest anyone in connection with the incident.

“We are aware of the groups of armed individuals ‘protecting’ the Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza. All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city,” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted the following morning. “We are also aware of an apparent assault caught on video tape, as well as possible restrictions placed on journalists filming the event. These incidents are under investigation at this time.”

According to some reports, Michael Renzulli has been removed from his current post following the incident. Currently, there is a call from pro-police residents to rally in support of Renzulli, who they say has been reassigned to another part of the city.

Armed Trump Supporters Clash with Black Lives Matter Demonstration in Rural Ohio

Hundreds of people converged in rural Bethel, Ohio, as Black Lives Matter supporters were violently opposed by armed Trump supporters, leading to clashes over the course of two days.

According to Raw Story:

A group of armed motorcyclists and others showed up wearing Confederate flag, Punisher and Trump-themed hats and clothing, some of them apparently drawn by online warnings that the demonstration was organized by Antifa activists.

“Around 3:30, the… counterprotesters?, started walking down on the other side of the street from up town, yelling obscenities and threatening us,” wrote demonstrator Abbi Remers, whose brother was punched and knocked to the ground.”A few started coming over and ripping signs out of our hands, ripping the hats and masks off of our faces, ripping things out of our pockets. Then they started surrounding us.”

The counter protesters assaulted some of the demonstrators and screamed at the group to go back to Cincinnati, which is about 30 miles west of the rural Clermont County village. “Traitors, take your ass back to the parking lot!” one man screams at a protester who had been violently attacked in the street and sent away by police. “A bunch of f*cking traitors.”

Numerous videos show counter protesters menacing the demonstrators with ideas seemingly drawn from the president’s Twitter feed about the protests following George Floyd’s police killing. “You’re in the wrong town,” said one man carrying an American flag. “Get this on your phone — this ain’t Seattle. You’re not in a Democratic state here. We don’t put up with that sh*t. All lives matter.” “This is a f*cking Republican state, b*tch,” shouts an even louder man. “We don’t play here.”

As the protests entered into a second day, the Mayor installed a curfew. Many have pointed out that the far-Right mobilization was brought on by the spreading of “ANTIFA” conspiracies, which have been propagated by white nationalist groups online.

Interactive Map of Vigilante Incidents

 

Researcher Alexander Reid Ross released an interactive map of white reactionary vigilante posses that have sprung up in the wake of nationwide anti-police protests. The map documents 189 incidents in 150 counties nationwide.

Far-Right Grifters Zero-In on Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone; Proud Boys Launch Attack

After two weeks of protests, riots, and intense police and military occupation of the Capital Hill neighborhood in Seattle, Seattle Police boarded up and left vacant a precinct building. Over the next week, a flourishing autonomous zone has developed, resulting in a cop-free zone, growing mutual aid projects, and space for political organizing – resembling to many a large block party. Fox News and far-Right media has seized on this new experiment, dubbed the Chapel Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), and painted it as a violent threat to the entire American system.

Towards this end, in the past week, far-Right grifters like Andy Ngo and mainstream networks like Fox News have been caught promoting conspiracy theories and outright hoaxes. This includes the lie that protesters were shaking down business owners for “protection money” along with a host of other fabrications.

Fox News then upped the ante, by producing a series of photo-shopped images for a series of articles that played up the idea that the autonomous zone was rife with chaos and violence.

Far-Right conspiracy sites like The Gateway Pundit and Big League Politics also pushed false claims that members of Bikers for Trump would descend on the CHAZ to clear out the ‘ANTIFA’; claims which Bikers for Trump denied.

Grifters like Jack Posobiec, Andy Ngo, Joey Gibson and a host of lesser known trolls have now all descended upon the area in the search of click-bait content and to encourage fascist violence. On Monday, June 15th, this violence began to place, when Tiny “Toese” along with several other Proud Boys, some armed with hand guns, beat a man right outside of the CHAZ.

In a later interview, the man who was attacked by Tiny and other Proud Boys said he had been following and documenting the group throughout the day and when they entered into a white van without any plates, they attacked him in order to take his phone and destroy the footage.

Boogaloo Boys Public Relations Manual Leaked

Left Coast Right Watch’s Abner Hauge came into possession of a PR manual for Boogaloo boys attempting to infiltrate the Black Lives Matter protests. Entitled “Protest Tips and Countering Narratives,” the document offers advice for Boogaloo boys looking to take advantage of the anti-police protests.

“Speak their language and use their language to subtly inject pro-2A messaging,” the guide offers. “Use a neutral or sympathetic message on your sign or poster if you’re bringing one. Confuse leftists and introduce cognitive dissonance in their minds at first sight. They’re more likely to be receptive of you or question their own prejudices if you carry a “Black Lives Matter” poster rather than a Gadsden Flag. Again, use their own language to promote a pro-2A Narrative.”

High Profile Murders and Acts of Violence Thrusts Far-Right into Spotlight

Air Force Staff Sergeant Charged With Murder After Killing Spree, Posted Far-Right Memes on Social Media

US Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Carillo, 32, was charged with 19 felonies, including murder and attempted murder following a rampage that left a Santa Cruz County Sheriff dead, as well as a May 29th shooting that killed a security officer and injured his partner. According to reports, when Carillo was arrested he wrote “BOOG” in his own blood on his vehicle.

Carillo had previously posted various Boogaloo and anti-government memes on Facebook, and appears to have been radicalized on social media. According to social media reports, Carillo identified as a “Libertarian” and supported Ron Paul. In May, a Wall Street Journal article reported that Facebook’s own researchers found that 64% of people who joined extremist groups on the social media site did so because of the service’s own recommendation algorithm. Though Facebook management was made aware of this fact, they refused to take any action.

Jeff Long, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Arrested for Inciting Riot in Salisbury, NC

Jeff Alan Long, a member of neo-Confederate group the North Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans, was arrested for inciting a riot after firing his pistol in the air near a demonstration calling for the removal of a Confederate monument.

Zachary Sanns, Neo-Nazi, Charged With Impersonating Cop at Black Lives Matter Protest

Zachary Sanns drove to a Black Lives Matter protest in a black SUV with flashing blue lights, then got out of the car in body armor and carrying an AR-15, with a Glock handgun at his belt. He then joined a line of law enforcement officers policing the protest, where he claimed to be a federal agent. Sanns had previously embedded himself with the unit of his wife, a Metro police officer.

Sanns was later charged with impersonating a police officer. Many journalists and those on social media have pointed out that Sanns also sported an “SS” neo-Nazi tattoo on his left inner arm.

Fort Drum Soldier Arrested for Carrying “Ghost Gun” at Troy Rally for Black Lives

Noah Latham, a 10th Mountain Division Soldier at Fort Drum in upstate New York, was arrested for possession of a loaded handgun with no serial number. Latham brought the gun to the Rally for Black Lives in Troy, New York.

Doxxes

Harry “Skip” Rogers, Neo-Confederate in Virginia

On Sunday, June 7th, Harry “Skip” Rogers drove his car into a group of protesters near Richmond, VA. Skip was arrested and charged with assault and battery, attempted malicious wounding, and felony vandalism. This isn’t the first instance of vigilantes using their vehicles as weapons to disrupt and harm protesters in the wake of the George Floyd Uprising, but what makes Skip particularly awful is his leadership within the Ku Klux Klan. Given this affiliation, Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor also added that her office is looking into possible hate crimes charges.

Antifascist researcher Shawn Breen broke down Roger’s history with the KKK and his participation in organizing throughout the South. Skip can be seen in his robes and frequently participates as a flagger at confederate-themed events. In 2014 he was seen flagging at the Confederate Memorial Chapel on the grounds of the VMFA in Richmond. In 2015 he was in Lexington, Virginia for the annual Sons of Confederate Veterans parade and then in December of the same year, Skip participated in the Mechanicsville, Virginia Christmas Parade.

It ought to come as no surprise that Skip attended the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, VA, where neo-Nazi’s from all over the country convened. This is the very same event where James Alex Fields Jr. drove his car into a group of protesters killing leftist activist Heather Heyer and injuring others. Skip was armed with an assault rifle.

Brandon Adams, Operation Werewolf in Celina, Ohio

Antifascist researcher behind the twitter account @RuthlessWe discovered the identity of Operation Werewolf neo-Nazi member Brandon Adams of Celina, Ohio. Adams works for Eaton Corp, a global technology company in Van Wert, Ohio. Operation Werewolf are a group of neo-Nazi’s committed to causing violence and fear in their communities. They take their name from the final effort of the Nazi’s to take back power during WWII through violence and targeted assassinations. Their symbols and ideology are taken almost directly from the Nazi party and as RuthlessWe puts it, “are centered around masculine violence.”

Adams frequently tries to recruit his friends to Operation Werewolf by appealing to their desire and commitment to fitness and firearms. You can read more about the overlap of fitness and fascism here. Adams posts regularly in support of the Boogaloo, racism and a promises of violence in response to a perceived fall of the patriarchy. Adams also posts in support of Mike Enoch. Enoch hosts the extremely racist and antisemitic website The Right Stuff and the podcast The Daily Shoah.

Brandon is employed by @eatoncorp in Ohio and works at their Van Wert facility. They should know that he is actively recruiting on behalf of a neo-Nazi organization.You can hit up their ethics and compliance contact page to let them know who they have working for them or email them: [email protected].

Steven Diaz, Three Percenter in Danville, New Hampshire

Antifascist researchers Vigilant AFA uncovered the identity of New Hampshire III%er Steven Diaz. The III%ers are a far-Right militia with neo-Nazi ties and a history of violence against Muslims and immigrants. Diaz was caught making multiple threats to #BlackLivesMatter protesters, who he casually refers to as “beasts” on his social media over the last few weeks. He is a violent racist who poses a significant danger to the community.

Brandon Braxton Battlehart and his wife Haley Renee Battlehart (nee Pittser) of West Eugene, Oregon

Eugene Antifascist researchers were able to identify the man and woman in Eugene Oregon as Brandon Braxton Battlehart (formerly known as Brandon Matthew Davis) and his wife Haley Renee Battlehart (nee Pittser) of West Eugene, Oregon. On May 31st, Brandon and Haley attempted to disrupt a human rights march by plowing their vehicle into a crowd of protesters.

When he finally stopped his vehicle, Battlehart, who runs a patriot clothing website, exited with his assault rifle to confront marchers. De-escalators immediately intervened to separate Battlehart from his weapon while his wife, Haley, continued to drive the car through the group of protesters and crashed into other vehicles. Haley then attempted to retrieve the firearm. Shortly thereafter they got back into their car and quickly fled the scene. Brandon’s social media posts indicate that they planned to disrupt the march.

Alex Chase Mahr, Neo-Nazi YouTuber in Fountain, Colorado

Colorado Springs Antifascist researchers identified Fountain, Colorado neo-Nazi and youtuber Alex Chase Mahr. Alex was first spotted disrupting a Colorado Springs March for Black Lives event and heckling protesters. Alex posts across multiple platforms and multiple accounts about his hatred of Jewish people and queer folks.

His antisemitism is pretty extreme, as his belief in the myth of white genocide. He also believes that the Holocaust was self-defense from communism. As can be expected, Alex enjoys contributing to a handful of far-right groups on Facebook.

Alex works for Sales Getter as a Thin Film Technician and you are encouraged to reach out the them and let them know they currently employ a neo-Nazi. For additional information and an archive of Alex’ posts, please check out Colorado Springs Antifascists blog post.

Scott Gundmansen, Former Police Officer, Held Two Roofers at Gunpoint, Claimed They Were “Antifa”

Scott Gundmansen, of Loveland, Colorado, held two roofers at gunpoint this week, claiming they were “Antifa.” The workers were dressed in shorts and blue polo shirts with the logo of the roofing company for which they worked.

Gunmandsen was arrested and charged with two counts of felony menacing. His son issued a statement, saying that he is currently undergoing treatment at a mental health facility.

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A weekly roundup of the latest and greatest happenings in the anti-fascist world. Each column features a roundup of news, actions, doxxes and current calls to action.

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