Stotine rasistov in neonacistov v belih maskah so marširale po ulicah.

A group of hundreds of masked white nationalists marched through parts of Washington, D.C., on Saturday ahead of the United States' Independence Day celebrations. The demonstration was organized by the Patriot Front, a far-right organization known for its uniformed members and sudden gatherings. According to reports, around 400 participants took part in the march, wearing characteristic clothing such as blue shirts, white masks over their faces, and sunglasses. They carried flags of the Patriot Front, Confederate flags, and variations of the American flag while chanting slogans like “Bring Back America.” The march occurred near the U.S. Capitol and Union Station, with photos and videos shared on social media showing the group traveling via subway in Washington.

The event took place on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and the group reportedly gathered in front of Union Station before heading toward Capitol Hill. During the march, participants chanted phrases such as “Life, Liberty, Victory!” and “Bring Back America,” which were captured in video footage posted online. Reuters photographs showed members of the Patriot Front using the subway after the gathering, where other passengers appeared visibly uncomfortable watching them. In response to the march, counter-protesters also arrived at the location, with one man speaking into a megaphone and telling the demonstrators that each of them justified the right to abortion.

Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department confirmed they monitored the activities related to free speech under the First Amendment but stated there were no arrests, complaints, or calls for intervention associated with the march. A spokesperson emphasized the department's commitment to public safety for residents and visitors. The police acknowledged individuals' rights to express their views peacefully, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining order during such events.

The Patriot Front was founded in 2017 following the deadly “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. It split off from the white supremacist group Vanguard America, which had been central to that protest. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the group claims that democracy has failed the once-great nation and that a “fundamental reset” is needed to return the country to the traditions and virtues of its ancestors—referring to European settlers. On the organization’s website, a manifesto states that the United States must be restored to its foundational values, suggesting a vision rooted in historical narratives tied to European heritage.

John Cohen, who held various roles in counterterrorism and intelligence within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during both the Obama and Biden administrations, noted that the Patriot Front attempts to present itself as part of the mainstream while promoting ideologies of white supremacy and opposition to immigration. He highlighted that the group feeling empowered enough to organize public demonstrations during national holidays like Independence Day underscores significant challenges the country faces regarding white supremacist movements.

Luke Baumgartner, a researcher at the Extremism Program at George Washington University, pointed out that the group uses the colors of the American flag—red, white, and blue—to invoke patriotism. However, he noted that the group’s emblem contains elements similar to the fasces symbol used by Italy’s National Fascist Party under Benito Mussolini in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Baumgartner described the Patriot Front as a white supremacist organization that seeks to spread the message that America was created exclusively for whites and that they should belong to it through public demonstrations, leaflet distribution, protests, and placing banners along highways.

The march coincided with President Donald Trump’s address marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Trump warned about a “communist threat” in America during his speech. However, the White House did not respond to media inquiries regarding whether Trump condemned the Patriot Front’s march. Researchers have previously warned about the group’s extensive propaganda network, mobilization capabilities, and financial resources, emphasizing that no other white supremacist group currently operating in the U.S. can match the Patriot Front in these areas. This makes the group a particular concern due to its ability to organize large-scale events and influence public discourse.