After Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd in late May 2020, the U.S. and the world were on the precipice of a cultural reckoning on racial injustice, marked by mass protests that swept the world. The day after the murder, as video of the violence hit the news and tensions were about to ignite, Bedford County, Virginia, passed a resolution in support of “the militia.” A similar resolution had passed in Campbell County, Virginia, earlier that year.
Every week, we highlight stories on extremism and the radical right from the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project. Here are stories that caught our attention through June 7.
Every week, we highlight stories on extremism and the radical right from the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project. Here are stories that caught our attention through May 3.
On March 27, a California judge issued a recommendation that former Trump Campaign attorney John Eastman be disbarred.
Anti-immigrant messaging from state and federal politicians has emboldened antigovernment groups and hard-right actors in Eagle Pass, Texas, and at other sites on the southern border.
Former Oath Keeper Jason Van Tatenhove has spent the past few years speaking out about his tenure with the militia and his concerns about how such groups threaten democracy.
Ron DeSantis has used his power as Florida governor to intimidate voters, influence elections, threaten immigrants and attack those that advocate for causes he opposes, such as LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. He even picked a fight with Disney World. He has also positioned himself as the standard bearer for the right wing’s “war on woke,” which is the concept of having an awareness of social injustices and fighting for equity.
Sam Bushman, CEO of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), attended a barbecue this summer hosted by a known white nationalist. Bushman also guested on a radio show syndicated by his online network alongside a host who praised Hitler.
