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.
WSC Statement on the Conviction and Sentencing of Patriot Prayer Member Mackenzie Lewis
In response to the conviction and sentencing of Patriot Prayer member Mackenzie Lewis of felony riot charges associated with several assaults that occurred during a brawl at a Portland bar in 2019, Western States Center deputy director of programs Amy Herzfeld-Copple issued the following statement.
Western States Center Calls for Interfaith Unity in Wake of Trio of Attacks on Portland Houses of Worship
Portland was rocked by three attacks on houses of worship within the last seven days, beginning with a broken window at the Congregation Shir Tikvah, followed by antisemitic vandalism at the Congregation Beth Israel and most recently by attempted arson at the Muslim Community Center of Portland…
Western States Center Condemns Antisemitic Attack against Congregation Beth Israel
On Monday, leaders at Congregation Beth Israel, a synagogue located in Northwest Portland, reported that a fire had been lit outside the building and the walls had been defaced with antisemitic graffiti and violent threats…
Oregon Report Urges Stronger Response to Domestic Terror Threat
A report last week issued by the Oregon Secretary of State laid out a series of recommendations for lawmakers to address the threat posed by anti-democracy movements…
Western States Center Responds to Ammon Bundy’s Conviction in Trespassing Case
“Ammon Bundy recklessly flouted the law when he entered the Idaho Capitol after being banned from the building in violation of a no-trespass order. Even more importantly…
Anti-Democracy, Paramilitary Protests in Olympia Illustrate Threat of Ignoring Bigotry
Anti-democracy and paramilitary leaders protested side by side in Olympia today, rallying under a range of conspiratorial causes but focused fundamentally on promoting bigotry and undermining democratic institutions…
Western States Center Response to President Biden’s State of the Union
“After four years of Donald Trump, it was a real relief to watch a State of the Union address in which the President of the United States used his platform to push for policies to defend basic human dignity…
Western States Strategies Calls for McGeachin to Resign after Appearance at White Nationalist Event
On Friday evening in Orlando, Idaho Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin appeared at the America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC), an event organized as a white nationalist alternative…
Western States Center Responds to Tragic Violence in Portland
First and foremost, the victims of last night’s attack and their friends and families are in our thoughts as they grapple with the implications of this event…
Western States Center Condemns Violence in Louisville Shooting
In response to the arrest of Quintez Brown after an attack on a Louisville mayoral candidate, Eric Ward, Executive Director of Western States Center issued the following statement: “Political violence is never acceptable and does nothing to move us closer to justice. It’s unclear whether Quintez Brown’s…
Western States Center Launches “No On 9 Remembered” Project in Which Oregonians Defeated The Harshest Anti-Gay Measure Put to Voters in American History Thirty Years Ago
Project to Publish Stories from the Massive Multi-Year Mobilization Effort In An Effort To Learn Lessons for Today’s Fight for an Inclusive Democracy…
Western States Center Statement on President Biden’s January 6 Remarks
In response to President Biden’s remarks about the attack on the United States Capitol one year ago today, Western States Center Executive Director Eric K. Ward issued the following statement…
Western States Center Partners with Award-winning Author to Launch Reader’s Guide for Inclusive Democracy
As part of its ongoing effort to protect inclusive democracy, Western States Center today unveiled a new reader’s guide to Cynthia Miller-Idriss “Hate in the Home Land: The New Global Far Right” in conjunction with the book’s paperback release today.
Western States Center Releases Resource to Support Local Governments Confronting White Nationalism
"We’re living in a profoundly challenging moment for our country and we need officials at every level of government to recognize the urgent threat posed by white nationalism,” said Eric K. Ward, executive director of the Western States Center…