White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse – Season 1, Episode 6: “Give Them What They Deserve”

Release Date: November 24, 2021

Introduction

In the gripping season finale of White Hot Hate, host Michelle Shephard delves deep into the harrowing story of Patrick Matthews, an undercover agent who infiltrated some of the most dangerous extremist groups, including outlaw bikers, drug cartels, and international neo-Nazi networks like Atomwaffen Division. This episode, titled “Give Them What They Deserve,” not only chronicles Matthews' undercover operations and subsequent arrest but also explores the profound personal tragedy experienced by Blaze Bernstein, a young man brutally murdered by Atomwaffen Division. Through interviews, courtroom footage, and expert analysis, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the corrosive impact of extremist ideologies and the challenges in combating them.

Patrick Matthews: From Undercover Infiltration to Courtroom Drama

Undercover Operations and Arrest

Patrick Matthews, a former Canadian army reservist, dedicated five and a half months infiltrating extremist groups in Winnipeg. His mission aimed to expose and dismantle these organizations from within. On January 16, 2020, as Matthews' undercover operation was concluding, his arrest was made public.

Courtroom Appearance

Ryan Thorpe, a Winnipeg Free Press reporter who had gone undercover with Matthews, recounts the tense moment of Matthews' court appearance:

“Judge, I wasn't really sure what to expect. ... And as he's being let in, he's kind of scanning the crowd a little bit... it seems pretty clear to me that he remembers me.” ([01:43])

Matthews appeared unrepentant and dismissive during the proceedings:

“... he didn't seem to be taking it very seriously. He was like leaning back, right, reclining in his chair.” ([03:04])

Extreme Statements and Defense

During the trial, recordings surfaced of Matthews advocating violence:

“Some trains, kill some people, and poison some water supplies.” ([03:27])

Another chilling excerpt includes:

“Give them what they deserve.” ([24:09])

The prosecution argued these statements illustrated Matthews' intent to terrorize. However, the defense contended that Matthews' comments were aspirational rather than indicative of actionable plans, suggesting that the undercover FBI agent influenced his rhetoric.

Sentencing

Ultimately, Judge Theodore Chuang ruled that Matthews and his accomplice, Brian Laemmle Jr., were serious and calculating in their extremist discussions, leading to Matthews receiving a nine-year sentence, in addition to nearly two years served pretrial.

“We had asked for a sentence of 33 months ... but we're disappointed the sentence didn't end up at the low end.” – Ryan Thorpe via Patrick Matthews' lawyer ([30:19])

Matthews, during sentencing, claimed:

“I was trying to be the best friend I can be, but I picked the wrong set of friends... I wasn't going to hurt anybody.” ([29:XX])

The Tragic Loss of Blaze Bernstein

Blaze's Story

Blaze Bernstein was a vibrant 19-year-old, passionate about food and writing, serving as the managing editor of his university's food magazine. His life took a tragic turn in January 2018 when he went missing and was subsequently found murdered by Atomwaffen Division, a notorious neo-Nazi group.

Impact on the Bernstein Family

Jeannie Pepper Bernstein, Blaze's mother, shares the devastating impact of her son's death:

“He wasn't just a really smart kid and really outspoken. ... We don't really have the infrastructure or the mental health care services to deal with these young men.” ([10:06])

In response to Blaze's murder, Jeannie and her husband founded Blaze it Forward, a charitable fund supporting LGBTQ and marginalized groups, aiming to honor Blaze's legacy by fostering compassion and resilience against hate.

Understanding Neo-Nazi Groups: The Base and Atomwaffen Division

Organizational Tactics and Ideology

Patrick Matthews' infiltration revealed the intricate workings of Atomwaffen Division and its sister organization, The Base. These groups share a militarized structure, extremist ideology, and a commitment to inciting violence to achieve their goals. Cassie Miller, a senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center, provides historical context:

“During the Vietnam War and civil rights era, white power activism and anti-government extremism strengthened and grew... The only way forward for the white power movement was to tear down the state itself through acts of violence.” ([13:43])

Modern Recruitment and Radicalization

Atomwaffen and similar groups have adapted to the digital age, leveraging social media and online forums to recruit younger individuals. The use of humor and memes serves as a gateway for radicalization:

“These groups use humor as a tactic. ... Andrew Anglin ... has said that he's trying to attract boys as young as 11 into this movement and using humor to do so.” ([17:35])

Youth Involvement

Disturbingly, many recruits are minors, with some leaders as young as 13:

“The leader of another international neo Nazi group was unmasked by an Estonian newspaper to be a local 13-year-old boy.” ([18:45])

Courtroom Proceedings and Sentencing

Prosecution's Case

The prosecution presented extensive evidence, including recordings of Matthews and Laemmle discussing violent plans:

“Give them white supremacist terrorists if that's what they want. Give them what they want. Give them what they deserve.” ([24:09])

They argued that these statements, coupled with physical evidence like weapons and ammunition, demonstrated a clear intent to commit acts of terror.

Defense's Argument

The defense contended that Matthews' statements were not indicative of actual plans and that the undercover agent influenced his extremism. They portrayed Matthews and Laemmle as misguided rather than inherently violent.

Judge's Decision

Despite the defense's arguments, Judge Chuang determined that Matthews and Laemmle were serious threats:

“... they were serious, specific and calculating in their discussions, adding they were not wide-eyed neophytes pressured into acts by the undercover.” ([26:XX])

Matthews was sentenced to nine years in prison, reflecting the judiciary's recognition of the severe threat posed by his actions.

Reactions and Aftermath

Prosecutor's Statement

Eric Barron, the U.S. attorney, emphasized the intent to deter others:

“We do not investigate and prosecute individuals for their beliefs, however hateful. But we do prosecute violence and threats of violence.” ([31:06])

Family's Perspective

Kim Matthews, Patrick's mother, expressed profound grief and frustration:

“He was innocent... He made poor decisions based on his age and feeling vulnerable.” ([32:24])

She criticized both her son's choices and the journalist Ryan Thorpe, whom she blamed for exacerbating her son's downfall.

Broader Impact on Extremist Movements

Cassie Miller highlighted a shift in far-right extremism:

“While we saw a decline in formally organized hate groups, the threat remains as these movements have become more decentralized and operate within widespread online communities.” ([35:24])

She pointed out the rise of lone-actor terrorists connected to broader extremist ideologies, underscoring the evolving nature of the threat.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle Against Hate

“Give Them What They Deserve” serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of extremist ideologies and the devastating personal toll they exact. Through Patrick Matthews' story and Blaze Bernstein's tragic death, the episode underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat hate, including education, legal reforms, and mental health support. As Cassie Miller aptly puts it:

“The movement has become more decentralized. ... we’re seeing lone actor terrorists go out and commit mass acts of violence.” ([35:24])

The episode closes with a contemplation of the future trajectory of accelerationist movements, emphasizing that combating such ideologies requires a multifaceted and persistent effort.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Thorpe on Matthews recognizing him in court:

  “And it seems pretty clear to me that he remembers me.” ([01:43])

• Patrick Matthews on his intentions:

  “Give them white supremacist terrorists if that's what they want. Give them what they want. Give them what they deserve.” ([24:09])

• Jeannie Pepper Bernstein on combating hate:

  “If we can try to give people some awareness of the danger in this country that is posed by extreme hate.” ([04:53])

• Cassie Miller on internet's role in radicalization:

  “The Internet has gotten rid of all of that [requiring physical meetings].” ([17:35])

• Kim Matthews on her son's innocence:

  “He was innocent. ... He was going to make this world a better place. He’s gone now because of hate, because of violence, because of ignorance.” ([32:24])

Final Thoughts

“White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse” delivers a powerful narrative that intertwines undercover operations, personal loss, and systemic challenges in addressing extremist violence. By providing a detailed account of Patrick Matthews' journey and the broader implications of neo-Nazi movements, the episode calls for heightened awareness, proactive measures, and compassionate intervention to thwart the spread of hate and prevent further tragedies.