Extremists have turned Texas into a hotbed for hate, report finds

[douglas9]

Texas continues to be a hotbed for extremism and antisemitism, driven by the heavy presence of white supremacist and anti-LGBTQ+ groups that are headquartered or active in the state.

That’s according to a report released Thursday by the Anti-Defamation League that examined nearly three years of “alarming levels of extremist ideology and activity” in Texas, and suggested a handful of policies to combat the growing problem.

Since 2021, the report found, antisemitic incidents in the state have jumped by 89%, and there have been six “terrorist plots” in addition to 28 “extremist events” such as training and rallies. Texas also led the nation in white supremacist propaganda last year; had the most residents charged in relation to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection; and, in March, saw a neo-Nazi and extreme misogynist gunman kill 8 people at an Allen shopping mall.

The report specifically noted the presence of white supremacist groups such as Patriot Front, which is based in the Dallas area and has repeatedly marched in major cities across the country, including this summer in Austin. Patriot Front was founded by Texas resident Thomas Rousseau after 2017’s deadly neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia, and was responsible for roughly 80% of all white supremacist propaganda incidents nationwide last year. The group also was present at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Waco this year, and 31 of its members were arrested near a 2022 Idaho Pride event on conspiracy to riot charges.


https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/21/texas-hate-crimes-extremists/

[regnaD kciN]

1. Eagerly awaiting the report revealing that water is wet...

Seriously, is this news to anyone?

[Paladin]

8. You beat me to it with the "water is wet" reference. (nt)

[Lonestarblue]

2. Last year, some anti-semitic group was leaving flyers on driveways promising retribution against

all Jews and making hateful claims. For doing what, no one knows. This was around the same time that a pro-Nazi group blocked an intersection and had to be removed by police. That intersection was less than a mile from the Jewish synagogue that was set on fire—less than four miles from where I live. Austin has a high Democratic population, but I’ve noticed on my neighborhood Nextdoor (which actually seems to include many neighborhoods miles from mine) more and more comments about the solution to Austin’s crime issues is to buy a gun and use it. Some commenters frequently claim that Austin police aren’t doing their jobs, so people have to take care of criminals themselves. Oddly, a number of the posters are outraged by break-ins of their trucks and cars parked in their driveways with their personal possessions in plain sight, including loaded guns. What do they expect when they leave valuable firearms on a seat in plain sight! The crazies are definitely gaining ground, even in cities like Austin.

[callous taoboy]

3. I found white power stickers at The Quarry in S.A.

They were plastered on light poles in the parking lot. I also found them at a favorite hiking spot in the Hill Country.

[vercetti2021]

4. This is why I carry

Being a trans woman in Texas nowadays is a walking bullseye on your back. Least I feel safe knowing I have a last resort option in case one asshole decides to go murder happy on me

[Comfortably_Numb]

6. I'm so ashamed that you are correct. When I moved to this state in 1976 it was a different

world than it is now. Magats have destroyed any semblance of honor, compassion, forgiveness, support, encouragement and on and in. I too carry by the way, because I distrust so many of these hatemongers.

[Wonder Why]

5. Between 1968 and 1980, I helped protect the United States from those barbarians to the east

While stationed in New Mexico. They haven't changed much since then.

[Javaman]

7. the Southern Poverty Law institute has long labeled texas this. more over...

they have long showing that texas has the most hate groups of any state in the nation.

[czarjak]

9. My insurrectionist cousin is moving here from California to Llano to open a brewery.

Good people. On both-sides. Of course.