White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse – Episode Summary: Season 1, Episode 3: Hate Camps

Introduction

In Season 1, Episode 3 of CBC's White Hot Hate, titled "Hate Camps," host Michelle Shephard delves deep into the clandestine world of neo-Nazi networks and the undercover operations aimed at dismantling them. The episode focuses on the unsettling disappearance of Patrick Matthews, a former neo-Nazi recruiter, and the subsequent investigations that reveal the complexities of infiltrating hate groups. Drawing parallels with past terrorism cases, the episode sheds light on the strategies employed by law enforcement to counter domestic extremism.

Discovery of Patrick Matthews' Truck

The story begins with Wallace, a long-time resident of Sprague, Manitoba, recounting the day he stumbled upon an abandoned red pickup truck on his property in September 2019.

Wallace [01:34]: "The town was a bustling community at that time. Now it's just a small, small community, but it has a school and bank and a store...".

While bringing soil to his property, Wallace noticed the unfamiliar truck and its open doors, indicating someone had been sleeping inside.

Wallace [02:05]: "I better check who that license plate is... It wasn't one of the local boys that I knew."

Upon researching the license plate, Wallace connected the truck to Patrick Matthews, an army reservist recently outed as a member of a militant neo-Nazi organization. Matthews had been released without charge after a police raid and had since gone missing, raising fears of potential retaliation against those who exposed him.

Context of Patrick Matthews and Fear of Retaliation

Ryan Thorpe, a key figure in the investigation, expressed concerns about Matthews' disappearance:

Ryan Thorpe [04:21]: "Most people seem to think like, oh, he's disappeared and he's going to retaliate. And my concern was he's disappeared and he's going to do something to himself."

Wallace and his son took it upon themselves to trace Matthews' possible movements, identifying routes that could lead Matthews into the United States.

Background on Hate Camps

The episode draws a stark comparison between neo-Nazi "hate camps" and jihadist training camps that emerged post-9/11. Reporter Chris Joiner provides insights into the prevalence of such camps in Georgia, highlighting their role in recruitment and paramilitary training.

Chris Joiner [10:22]: "Georgia is a key part of the deep south of the United States... politically progressive, it is ethnically diverse and a lot of the far right is reactive."

Joiner describes the training camps as highly stylized, with members donning camouflage and tactical gear, engaging in drills meant to foster camaraderie and recruit new members.

Toronto 18 Case and Undercover Operations

Moobin Shaikh, an undercover officer, shares his experiences infiltrating the Toronto 18, a group of individuals plotting terrorist attacks in Canada. His account underscores the similarities between jihadist and neo-Nazi extremist groups.

Moobin Shaikh [19:39]: "It's like a carbon copy. You can just flip around an image and it could be a brown guy and the next day it's a white guy and it's a jihadist or it's an anti-government militia."

Shaikh emphasizes the importance of narratives and networks in fostering violent extremism, drawing attention to the methods these groups use to solidify their bonds and operational capabilities.

Tom Lane and the Georgia Cell

Tom Lane, a handyman from Floyd County, Georgia, provides a personal perspective on his son Luke's involvement with the neo-Nazi group known as the Base. Initially dismissive of Luke's online interactions and the group's presence on his property, Tom later becomes aware of the sinister activities unfolding.

Tom Lane [27:08]: "I think it was a Nazi flag... there's nothing wrong with shooting guns."

Tom recounts how his son, Luke Austin Lane (also known as TMB Online – The Militant Buddhist), became a central figure in the Base's Georgia cell, which was instrumental in recruitment and organizing real-world meetups.

Undercover Agent "Scott" and Camp Activities

Unbeknownst to the group, an undercover FBI agent, referred to as "Scott," had infiltrated their ranks. His presence was pivotal in monitoring the group's activities, including their disturbing rituals and plans for violence.

Chris Joiner [31:28]: "As part of their camping weekend where they decided to kidnap a goat... they ended up shooting it... part of some sort of pagan ceremony."

The camp's activities included animal sacrifices and detailed plans for assassinations, such as targeting a married couple involved in leftist and anti-fascist organizing. These actions highlighted the group's escalating commitment to violent extremism.

Conclusion and Implications

The episode concludes by highlighting the precarious position of Patrick Matthews, who, unaware of the FBI's infiltration, finds himself at the crossroads of a sophisticated investigation. The efforts of undercover agents like Scott Payne and Ryan Thorpe illustrate the intricate balance law enforcement must maintain to dismantle hate groups from within without tipping off members.

Ryan Thorpe [35:17]: "They have to murder Matthews and then they'll come back to Georgia... they'll shoot both of them dead, and then they'll burn the place to the ground."

The episode emphasizes the real and present dangers posed by domestic extremist groups and the critical role of undercover operations in preventing potential acts of terror.

Key Takeaways

• Infiltration Efforts: Undercover agents are essential in penetrating and dismantling extremist groups, albeit with inherent risks.

• Similarities Across Extremist Ideologies: Both neo-Nazi and jihadist groups employ similar methods of recruitment, training, and operation, underscoring common patterns in violent extremism.

• Community Impact: The presence of hate camps disrupts local communities, fostering fear and instability.

• Importance of Vigilance: Communities and law enforcement must remain vigilant against the resurgence of extremist ideologies to safeguard public safety.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Thorpe [35:17]: "They have to murder Matthews and then they'll come back to Georgia. They'll burst into the house of this married couple, they'll shoot both of them dead, and then they'll burn the place to the ground."

• Moobin Shaikh [19:39]: "It's like a carbon copy... it's all really the exact same thing. It's ideology and grievances, right?"

• Tom Lane [30:45]: "Why did I think there would be FBI guy hanging around? Well, anytime there's anything to do with race... they're gonna get in on it."

Conclusion

Season 1, Episode 3 of White Hot Hate provides a chilling exploration of the underground networks of neo-Nazi hate camps and the intricate efforts by law enforcement to infiltrate and neutralize these threats. Through personal testimonies and expert insights, the episode underscores the persistent challenges in combating domestic extremism and the vital role of undercover operations in maintaining societal safety.