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Five members of the white nationalist hate group Patriot Front have been convicted of misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to riot at a Pride event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Forrest Rankin, Devin Center, Derek Smith, James Michael Johnson, and Robert Whitted were found guilty by a Kootenai County jury after a short deliberation.
The incident occurred on June 11, 2022, when 31 members of Patriot Front, including its founder, were arrested after being seen loading into a U-Haul van in a hotel parking lot. Police discovered riot gear, a smoke grenade, shin guards, and shields inside the van during a traffic stop near the North Idaho Pride Alliance event. Documents found with the group outlined a plan to form a column outside City Park and move inward until barriers were met. Once a confrontational dynamic was established, the column would disengage and proceed down Sherman Avenue.
The individuals arrested came from various states including Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, Wyoming, Virginia, and Arkansas.
In Idaho, rioting is generally considered a misdemeanor offense. However, conspiracy to riot carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, and up to two years of probation. The five men are scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.
This conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat that hate groups pose in communities across the country. It also highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies and community members working together to identify and address such threats.
The North Idaho Pride Alliance and other organizations dedicated to promoting inclusivity and acceptance should be commended for their resilience and commitment to creating safe spaces for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is crucial that communities continue to support and protect these organizations and events to ensure that everyone can live free from fear and discrimination..
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