The leader of a notorious white supremacist group, Christopher Pohlhaus, known as ‘The Hammer’, recently made headlines when he expressed support for US President Joe Biden over his predecessor Donald Trump. The reason behind Pohlhaus’ surprising endorsement? According to him, Biden is preferable because he “sends rockets to Ukraine.” This revelation from Pohlhaus, who leads a group called the ‘Blood Tribe’, came during a march near Disney World in Florida, where he and his followers could be seen dressed in red and black with swastika banners, performing Nazi salutes, and chanting “Heil Hitler.”
Pohlhaus’ endorsement of Biden goes against the prevailing narrative that white supremacy is a significant threat to national security. President Biden himself has described white supremacy as “the most lethal terrorist threat in the homeland.” However, Pohlhaus believes that Biden’s decision to send rockets to Ukraine makes him a better choice than Trump. Furthermore, Pohlhaus shouted “Heil Ukraine! Heil Azov!” during the march, indicating his support for Ukraine’s extremist Azov regiment.
The Azov regiment, which was incorporated into the Ukrainian National Guard in 2014, is a neo-Nazi militia known for its use of Nazi symbols in its uniforms. The regiment’s members have been accused of committing atrocities, with two of its spokesmen even admitting that up to half of the members are Nazis. Despite international criticism, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has praised the regiment, calling them “heroes.” Pohlhaus’ support for the Azov regiment reflects his alignment with far-right extremist ideologies.
However, it is important to note that Pohlhaus’ group, the Blood Tribe, has faced allegations of being a government-run entrapment operation. According to online right-wing commentators, Pohlhaus and his followers are considered “feds” and are suspected of working with law enforcement to infiltrate and disrupt right-wing movements. The group has been active since 2021 and has been observed participating in mainstream right-wing protests, using Nazi salutes to provoke outrage and tarnish the image of conservative demonstrators.
Pohlhaus himself has a controversial background. He co-owns a property in Maine with Fred Ramey, a former Democratic Party activist. Pohlhaus has had federal drug charges dismissed, while Ramey’s criminal record has been redacted. These connections raise questions about the motivations and intentions of the Blood Tribe and its leadership.
Local law enforcement views the Blood Tribe as attention-seeking troublemakers. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement stating that the group demonstrates in high-profile areas with the intent to incite and agitate individuals using anti-Semitic symbols and slurs. They believe that Pohlhaus and his followers are seeking media attention and notoriety.
The incident involving Pohlhaus and the Blood Tribe highlights the ongoing presence of white supremacy and extremist ideologies in the United States. Despite efforts to combat such extremism, individuals like Pohlhaus still find a platform to spread their hateful beliefs. The incident also raises questions about the potential collaboration between extremist groups and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the complexities surrounding efforts to address domestic terrorism.
It is crucial for society to remain vigilant and actively oppose ideologies that fuel hate and division. Efforts must continue to educate communities, promote understanding and tolerance, and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies that threaten the safety and well-being of individuals and communities.
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