×
The Standard e-Paper
Read Offline Anywhere
Audio By Vocalize
A white nationalist group known as Patriot Front staged surprise marches across Washington, DC, on Saturday, July 4, during the United States' 250th Independence Day celebrations.
In viral videos seen by TNX Africa, dozens of men dressed in matching dark blue shirts, khaki trousers and white face masks were seen marching in tight formation near the U.S. Capitol before using the Metro to travel to New Carrollton, Maryland.
Some carried shields and beat drums, while others waved American and Confederate flags. The group was also heard chanting, "Reclaim America."
According to Al Jazeera, the Confederate flag carries different meanings for different people.
While some regard it as a symbol of Southern heritage, many others see it as a representation of racism and hate because it was used by the Confederacy, which fought to preserve slavery during the American Civil War.
Patriot Front, according to Reuters, was formed in 2017 following the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The group's website contains a manifesto that rejects democracy and promotes a white nationalist ideology.
Among its statements are, "Democracy has failed this once great nation, and a hard reset is needed to return to the traditions and virtues of our forefathers," and, "Membership within the American nation is inherited through blood, not ink."
The march has renewed criticism of President Donald Trump's administration, with critics arguing it has not spoken out strongly enough against extremist groups.
John Cohen, a former official in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Obama and Biden administrations, was quoted by the agency saying, "The fact that they feel empowered to engage in public demonstrations during Independence Day and other national holiday events provides a stark illustration of the issues this country is dealing with at this time as it relates to white supremacy."
Extremism experts at George Washington University have also described Patriot Front as a fascist organisation promoting an America exclusively for white people.
"At the root, they are indeed a white supremacist organisation that is basically campaigning through these public appearances, whether they are flash marches, flyering events, protests, banner drops over highways, trying to spread this message that America is a country by and for white people only," researcher Luke Baumgartner told Reuters.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said it respected the group's right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public safety.
"MPD recognises the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views and remains committed to maintaining public safety and security for DC residents and visitors," a police spokesperson said.
Beyond the march itself, one Reuters photograph drew widespread attention online.
It showed masked members of Patriot Front occupying nearly every seat on a Metro train, leaving only one empty seat beside a Black woman, while several members chose to stand instead.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!
