Western States Center Denounces Rep. Mark Green’s Appearance on Panel at Center for Immigration Studies, Org. That Promotes Bigoted Conspiracy Theories
We continue to warn against the rising use of “invasion” rhetoric and bigoted conspiracy theories that have become normalized in conversations around immigration. Rep. Green’s panel for the bigoted group Center for Immigration Studies threatens to be another opportunity for an elected leader to spread baseless conspiracy theories about immigration policy, laced with the Great Replacement Theory that so often leads to real-world violence.
Western States Center Responds to Multiple “Take Our Border Back Convoy” Rallies
The rallies in Texas, Arizona and California yesterday marked the end of a week where anti-immigrant bigotry in the United States reached a fever pitch
2023 Recap: Top Troubling & Positive Trends
2023 was a deeply challenging year that saw anti-democracy groups continue to amass power at the local level, bigoted rhetoric and conspiracy theories become more mainstreamed, and violence in the Middle East spur a spike in bias incidents on American soil.
Western States Center Statement on Enrique Tarrio Being Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for His Role in January 6 Insurrection
A leader of the Proud Boys, who played a major role in organizing the insurrection on January 6, 2021, was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Last week, a Washington DC jury had convicted Proud Boy Joe Biggs of several charges including seditious conspiracy for attempting to forcibly prevent the peaceful transfer of power.
Western States Center Statement on Proud Boys Leader Joe Biggs Being Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for His Role in January 6 Insurrection
Joe Biggs, a leader of the Proud Boys who led the infamous march to the capitol on January 6, 2021, was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Western States Center Statement on Racially Motivated Shooter in Jacksonville
Over the weekend, in an attack reminiscent of the Buffalo massacre, a white gunman targeted Jacksonville’s Black community, killing three. The gunman, who left behind racist manifestos and had swastikas on the AR-15 he wielded, targeted and killed Black people at a Jacksonville Dollar General store.
Bundy Verdict “A Moment of Real Accountability”
In response to the verdict handed down in a lawsuit against paramilitary leader Ammon Bundy brought by St. Luke’s Health System, Lindsay Schubiner, Programs Director at Western States Center, issued the following statement.
Western States Center Reacts to Sentencing of Patriot Front Members a Year After Coeur D’Alene Pride Intimidation Stunt
Yesterday, a jury convicted five Patriot Front members on the misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to riot by disturbing the peace for their role in the intimidation stunt at a Pride event last year. Today they were sentenced to three days in jail plus a $1,000 fine.
Western States Center Statement on Proud Boys Leader Tiny Toese Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Portland Violence
Today, Tusitala “Tiny” Toese, a figurehead of the white nationalist militia group Proud Boys was sentenced to 5+ years in prison for inciting and participating in political violence in north Portland in 2021.
Western States Center Statement on El Paso Walmart Shooter Sentencing
The self-avowed white nationalist who wrote that Hispanics were “invading” America before killing 23 people in an El Paso Walmart, was sentenced to 90 life sentences in prison on federal hate crimes charges.
Western States Center Statement on the Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes Being Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for His Role in the Insurrection
This afternoon, a federal judge sentenced Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes to 18 years in prison following this conviction on seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.
Western States Strategies Statement on Too Close to Call Wallowa County “Greater Idaho” Secessionist Vote
As of Election Night, the second vote on a non-binding “Greater Idaho” resolution in Wallowa County to endorse seceding from Oregon and joining Idaho is too close to call.
1 Year After Buffalo Mass Shooting, Western States Center Warns that Great Replacement Theory which Motivated Perpetrator Poses Grave Threat
In commemoration of one of the most horrific racist attacks in modern memory, Lindsay Schubiner, Director of Programs at Western States Center, issued the following statement
Western States Center Statement on the Conviction of Four Members of Proud Boys Leadership for Their Role in the Insurrection
This morning, four out of five members of the Proud Boys, an anti-democracy organization with a long record of promoting bigotry and political violence, on trial for seditious conspiracy charges were convicted for their role in the implementation of the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
WSC on the Sentencing of Benjamin Jeffery Smith for Murder, Attack on Peaceful Protest in Portland
Benjamin Jeffery Smith, who killed one person and shot four others at a peaceful demonstration protesting racial violence in Portland last year, was sentenced to life in prison.
Western States Center Statement on Buffalo Shooter Sentencing
This morning, the shooter who murdered ten Black people in a Buffalo grocery store, was sentenced to life in prison. Amy Herzfeld-Copple, Western States Center’s Deputy Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives, issued the following statement:
18 Civil Rights Organizations Condemn Brandon Judd Testifying to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Brandon Judd, the President of the National Border Patrol Council who frequently promotes white nationalist conspiracy theories, uses bigoted rhetoric against migrants, and engages with anti-immigrant groups, has been invited by House Republicans to testify in front of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Western States Center Statement on the Conviction of Oath Keepers for Their Role in the Insurrection
Four members of the Oath Keepers, a paramilitary organization with a long record of promoting bigotry and political violence, were convicted on seditious conspiracy charges for their role in the implementation of the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Only 14 of the almost 1,000 individuals charged over the insurrection faced seditious conspiracy charges, underscoring the gravity of these convictions.
Western States Center Statement on Arrest of Suspect in Politically Motivated Shootings in New Mexico
New Mexico police have arrested Solomon Peña, a failed Republican candidate, in connection with shootings at the homes and offices of Democratic elected officials in New Mexico in December and January. A review of Peña’s social media and public statements shows he has shared election denial conspiracy theories and claims his own election was rigged. At this time, police and local officials believe that the shootings were politically motivated.
New Resource Provides Tools for Confronting White Nationalism in Libraries
This vital new toolkit is designed to strengthen libraries as inclusive, pro-democracy spaces better prepared to counter the growing threat of white nationalism.