White nationalist group Patriot Front marches through Washington ahead of Independence Day

Hundreds of masked members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front marched through Washington, D.C., on Saturday, ahead of Independence Day festivities. The group posted on social media that approximately 400 members participated in the march. Reuters photographers observed members traveling on DC Metro trains, dressed in the group's signature khaki pants, caps, and blue shirts, with white face coverings and sunglasses.

Videos shared on social media platforms and the group's Telegram channel showed the marchers near the U.S. Capitol and Union Station, accompanied by drummers. They carried Patriot Front flags, Confederate flags, and variations of the U.S. flag, at times chanting "Reclaim America." After the march, the group boarded Metro trains to New Carrollton, Maryland.

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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

Patriot Front, known for its organized demonstrations, emerged in 2017 following the deadly "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is an offshoot of Vanguard America, a group central to that protest, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group's manifesto calls for a "hard reset" of the nation, stating that "Democracy has failed this once great nation."

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Democracy has failed this once great nation

John Cohen, who previously held counterterrorism and intelligence roles in the Department of Homeland Security, noted that Patriot Front attempts to present a mainstream image while promoting "white supremacist and anti-immigrant ideological belief systems." He stated that the group's empowerment to demonstrate on national holidays illustrates the ongoing issues with white supremacy in the country.

Washington's Metropolitan Police Department confirmed they were tracking the group's activities, which they recognized as "First Amendment" expression. A spokesperson reported no arrests, complaints, or calls for assistance related to the march, emphasizing the department's commitment to public safety and the right to peaceful expression.

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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