NCJ Number
200205
Journal
Intelligence Report Issue: 109 Dated: Spring 2003 Pages: 30-35
Date Published
2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the decline of major hate groups during 2003.
Abstract
At the beginning of 2002, radical right hate groups were thriving in America. A series of events that began unfolding during July 2002 with the takeover of the Sons of Confederate Veterans by a band of extremists, delivered a severe blow to the radical right movement. Government crackdowns have resulted in the arrest of numerous right wing leaders, such as Mark Hale, and lawsuits have been brought against some of the groups resulting in bankruptcy. Criminal charges against right wing leaders range from weapons charges to murder and bombing attempts. The author describes the key events in chronological order that triggered the downward spiral of the radical right movement. It was hypothesized that following the terrorist attacks in September 2001, the government is making an effort to round up all anti-government extremists who may pose a threat to peace during a time of civil disturbance. As such, it is mainly the anti-Semitic, anti-government hate groups that are facing dissolution. Finally, the author describes some hate groups that are doing well and picking up new members and resources; these include the League of the South and the White Revolution. Overall, 2003 has thus far seen a major decline in the ranks of hate groups.