Residents of Herriman, Utah, are taking a stand after the Patriot Front, a known white supremacist group, made an appearance at City Hall last weekend. The event has sparked widespread concern among community members, who say the group’s presence does not reflect their town’s values.
Nicole Peterson, one of the organizers behind a planned counter rally, emphasized that the event is about unity and inclusivity, rather than politics. “Herriman is not a place for hate,” she said. “This rally is about showing love and support for all members of our community, regardless of their race, religion, or background.” The counter rally is set to take place at Herriman City Hall on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m.
Patriot Front’s Presence Sparks Concern
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has classified the Patriot Front as a white supremacist organization that has been active since 2017. Morgan Moon, an investigative researcher with the ADL’s Center on Extremism, described the group’s activities, stating, “They distribute an average of 14 pieces of white supremacist propaganda daily and frequently organize large-scale demonstrations across the country.”
Moon explained that these groups often target communities in an attempt to create fear and falsely suggest local support for their ideology. “Many of the individuals who participated in the Herriman demonstration likely traveled from out of state,” she said.
Addressing Misinformation
In response to online speculation that Patriot Front is a federal operation or staged event, Moon dismissed such claims. “We have extensive records on many of their members, including their backgrounds and criminal histories. This group is very real and has deep ties to other extremist organizations,” she stated.
The group’s leader, Thomas Rousseau, has publicly addressed these rumors, maintaining the organization’s identity and objectives through multiple media appearances.
Community Unites Against Hate
Moon believes the best way to combat groups like Patriot Front is through peaceful demonstrations that reinforce community values. “When these groups try to spread hate, the most effective response is for the community to come together and reject their message,” she said.
The counter rally at Herriman City Hall aims to do just that—showing that Herriman stands for acceptance, not division.
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