Masked Patriot Front white nationalists stage July 4 march through DC

Hundreds of masked members of the U.S. white nationalist group Patriot Front marched through Washington D.C. on Saturday, just ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The group, which arrived in the capital with approximately 400 members according to their social media posts, staged their demonstration near the U.S. Capitol and Union Station.

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MPD recognizes the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views and remains committed to maintaining public safety and security for DC residents and visitors.

Participants were seen wearing distinctive khaki pants, blue shirts, white face coverings, and sunglasses. Many carried the group's flag, Confederate flags, and variations of the U.S. flag, chanting slogans such as “Reclaim America.” The marchers utilized the D.C. Metro system to travel between locations, including exiting at New Carrollton, Maryland, in the city's northeast suburbs.

The Metropolitan Police Department stated they were tracking the Patriot Front's activities, emphasizing their commitment to protecting public safety and the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views. A police spokesperson confirmed there were no arrests, complaints, or calls for assistance associated with the group's march.

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Democracy has failed this once great nation, and a “hard reset” is needed to “return to the traditions and virtues of our forefathers,” identifying them as European settlers.

Patriot Front, formed in 2017 after the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally, is known for its organized, uniformed demonstrations. The Southern Poverty Law Center identifies the group as an offshoot of the Vanguard America white supremacist organization. A manifesto on Patriot Front's website calls for a "hard reset" of the nation, advocating a return to the traditions of European settlers. Experts note that while the group attempts to project a mainstream image, its core ideology remains white supremacist and anti-immigrant.

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The fact that they feel empowered to engage in public demonstrations during Independence Day and other national holiday events provides a stark illustration of the issues this country is dealing with at this time as it relates to white supremacy.