Armed neo-Nazis prepare for potential clash in small Kentucky town
Hate groups have come to tiny Pikeville in a bid for support, but locals fear a violent standoff between the neo-Nazis and anti-fascist protesters
In a tent deep in the woods
of rural Kentucky, an old neo-Nazi spoke bitterly of how he feels “betrayed” by Donald Trump.
“I’m sorry I voted for the son of a bitch, I really am,” said Art Jones, who the Anti-Defamation
League identifies as a Holocaust denier who has been dressing in Nazi garb and celebrating Hitler since the 1970s.
“I’m sorry I spent $180 out of my own pocket to buy three big banners that said, ‘President Trump, build the wall’,” the blazer-clad Jones said, to a tent full of about 100 men, some of whom wore paramilitary-style uniforms. “Now he says, ‘Eh, what wall?’ I’m embarrassed that I voted for him.”
Jones blamed Trump’s failures on the “Jewish lobby” and the president’s son-in-law and aide, Jared Kushner, who is Jewish.
“If I could take the vote back,” he said. “I would.”
On Friday night, on a barren stretch of private property accessible only by a dirt road, black-clad young men with rifles roamed. Others wore a handgun or knife at the hip. Members of at least 10 racist hate groups had met to discuss how they could become more politically relevant. They were also there to prepare for an anticipated battle with self-identified anti-fascist or “antifa” groups on Saturday – the 100th day of the Trump presidency – in the streets of the tiny town of Pikeville.
Pike County is 98% white; about 80% of voters there supported Trump. In choosing Pikeville for their rally, the neo-Nazis sought to attract white working families and build a more mainstream political movement, they said. Local residents and store managers said they were furious, scared and resentful of the gathering.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/apr/29/neo-nazi-rally-pikeville-kentucky-anti-fascist
Many
businesses in downtown Pikeville will close their doors on Saturday. Business owners do not want to take a risk with the white nationalist group and counter rallies expected to take place on the streets.
We really don't know what to expect because we really don't know what it's about," Karen Boyd, owner of Bob's Southern Smokehouse, said.
Most every shop and restaurant will close on Saturday.
"Because of the uncertainty, we're just going to try to play it safe," Boyd said.
Boyd said they listened to the city's advice to close their doors for the weekend.
"The city has encouraged us and most of the downtown businesses to close," Boyd said.
Even the street the restaurant sits on will be shut down.
"Yea, the street will be closed, from like 12 noon to 8 p.m. So that's when the most of our business is anyways," Boyd said.
Many in the community believe business owners are making the right decision.
"For safety reasons, yes, I believe it's a very good idea," Connie Shell, Pike County resident, said.
Shell said she does not want to take a chance. She believes the threat is real.
"Everybody has gone out of town it seems like. The only reason we're here is because we have an appointment," Shell said.
Soon, Shell will leave town too.
"When we go to our appointment, then we'll leave," Shell said.
As uncertainty hangs in the air, everyone is hopeful violence will not break out.
Downtown businesses close due to rally threat