A white supremacist and neo-fascist hate group known as Patriot Front is trying to recruit Mississippians to join, according to the chief of police in Magee.
“It has come to my attention that stickers bearing the messaging of a group called Patriot Front have been posted on gas pumps at some gas stations in our city. This group is attempting to recruit young adults and others to join their cause,” Chief Denis J. Borges warned residents in a Tuesday letter.
Patriot Front was established in 2017 by white supremacist Thomas Rousseau who along with an estimated 200 members believe their ancestors conquered the U.S. and the nation was solely bestowed upon them, according to the FBI. The Anti-Defamation League reported that in 2021, 82% of incidents nationally involving racist, antisemitic, and other hateful propaganda came at the hands of the group.
The FBI and Anti-Defamation League have also reported that Patriot Front seeks to form a new state reserved for the “descendants of its creators” and is actively working to recruit new members.
Chief Borges, who said his department is monitoring recruiting efforts in Magee, called the group’s activity “divisive” and “counter to the values of our community and our nation.” He added that if any community members join and partake in hate crimes against others, legal consequences are guaranteed.
“I want to remind everyone that hate crimes targeting any race, whether white, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, LGBTQ, or any religious group will be met with swift and severe legal consequences,” Borges wrote. “Not only does it violate state law, but it also violates federal law. The Magee Police Department is committed to protecting every member of our community from hate-fueled violence and intimidation. Together, we stand united against hate and intolerance.”
The Magee Police Department encourages residents who might spot suspicious activity or witness hate crimes to contact them immediately at (601) 849-2366.
