31 Patriot Front Members Arrested, Planned to Riot Pride Event

On Saturday an anonymous tip reported seeing approximately 20 people jumping into a U-haul wearing masks and holding shields in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. According to Lee White, chief of Coeur d’Alene police department, the witness described the group to look like a “little army”.

These people were later confirmed to be members of the alt-right white supremacist group, Patriot Front.

The members of Patriot Front, packed in the back of the U-Haul, were heading towards a pride event called “Pride in the Park”. Not long after the report, police stopped the vehicle and investigated the members inside. From evidence and documents found, the police were able to determine the group was planning on rioting the pride event and several other places in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Ultimately 31 people were charged with conspiracy to riot. 

The Patriot Front members all wore khaki pants, navy shirts, and white balaclavas as well as arm patches and hats with Patriot Front logos. These people came from 11 states across the country including Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming. Only one of the individuals arrested was from Idaho. 

Police recovered a smoke grenade, shields, shin guards, and other riot gear from the scene.

Patriot Front is based in Texas and formed from another white nationalist group , Vanguard America, which broke off after the infamous Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, VA.