White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse — Season 2, Episode 5: Klan Kologne

In Season 2, Episode 5 of CBC’s gripping podcast series White Hot Hate, titled "Klan Kologne," host Michelle Shepherd delves deep into the perilous undercover operations of FBI agent Scott Payne. This episode offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Payne’s infiltration of the United Klans of America (uka), shedding light on the inner workings of one of America’s most notorious hate groups and the complexities of combating domestic terrorism.

Introduction: The Undercover Battlefield

The episode opens with a vivid recounting by Scott Payne as he navigates a Klan rally in Alabama in 2017. Disguised as a biker, Payne’s mission is to embed himself within the jutahe core of the United Klans of America, a faction replete with extremists intent on fostering racial strife.

The Alabama Klan Rally and Naturalization Ceremony

Payne describes his initial entry into a secluded Klan rally with palpable tension:

"Damn it. All right, I'm turning. Oh, here they are. And I finally find the road to turn off on..." (00:47)

Upon arrival, Payne encounters the Nighthawks—KKK members donned in black robes and hoods, exuding an intimidating presence. The atmosphere is thick with unease as he interacts with Jack, an enthusiastic Klansman who introduces him to various aspects of the rally.

A pivotal moment unfolds when Payne observes a 30-foot metal cross:

"I said, oh, so we gonna have a cross burning? And he's like, now, Scott, it's not a cross burning. That'd be sacrilegious..." (03:03)

This "cross lighting" ceremony is explained as a symbolic act of "the light of Jesus Christ coming into the world and driving the darkness out," though Payne skeptically notes the practical implications of the ritual.

The climax of the rally is the Naturalization Ceremony, a façade for pledging allegiance to the Klan. Payne describes the tension-filled process:

"And I'm like, all right, cool. And then I wait till a couple people walk off and I'm like, hey, what is a naturalization?" (04:34)

Blindfolded and physically tethered to the person in front of them, members partake in a ritualistic pledge:

"This signifies the bond of brotherhood. Do not break the chain." (04:52)

Payne’s inner conflict surfaces as he grapples with the symbolic significance versus his covert role:

"I am not breaking the chain." (05:08)

The ceremony culminates in Payne being officially "knighted" into the Klan, leaving him to reflect on his inadvertent deepening involvement:

"I just joined the clan." (07:05)

Transition to Knoxville Division and Operation Roadkill

Post-Alabama, Payne transitions to the FBI's Knoxville Division, seeking roles that align closer with his Southeastern roots after experiencing burnout. His shift includes involvement in Operation Roadkill, targeting corruption within local law enforcement amidst the opioid epidemic.

Reflecting on the effectiveness of these operations, Payne emphasizes the tangible impact of his work despite the challenges:

"Are we cleaning up stuff and making this community better?" (10:55)

Operation Smoking Robes: Targeting the United Klans of America

Payne’s primary focus shifts to Operation Smoking Robes, an initiative aimed at dismantling the Klan’s illicit activities, particularly the manufacturing and distribution of ghost guns—untraceable firearms without serial numbers.

He underscores the legal challenges in prosecuting hate groups under existing U.S. statutes:

"There’s no domestic terrorism statute. You just try to find out if they're committing any kind of crime..." (17:09)

Joining the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in 2016, Payne is assigned to the domestic terrorism team, a sector historically under-resourced compared to its international counterpart.

Undercover Interaction with Benji McDowell

A significant breakthrough in Operation Smoking Robes occurs through Payne’s infiltration of the Klan’s communication channels. Establishing contact with Benji McDowell, a recently released felon with deep ties to white supremacy, Payne navigates complex interactions aimed at uncovering McDowell’s plans for violence.

During a clandestine meeting, McDowell reveals his intentions:

"I have the heart. I'm just not smart enough. I need somebody to give me some guidance." (27:17)

Payne astutely probes McDowell’s motivations, drawing parallels to infamous hate crimes:

"I want to do something in the style of Dylann Roof, but on a grander scale." (28:39)

The conversation highlights McDowell's radicalization and his perilous trajectory toward orchestrating mass violence, positioning Payne at the precipice of preventing potential tragedy.

The Arrest of Benji McDowell and Payne’s Capture

As tensions escalate, McDowell seeks explicit authorization to acquire a .40 caliber handgun—a transaction that becomes the linchpin for federal prosecution. Payne orchestrates a meeting under the guise of facilitating the weapon transfer:

"I am going to Conway South Carolina to pick up Benji McDowell. I will be delivering a .40 caliber handgun to him that he has requested." (32:39)

The operation culminates in a meticulously planned arrest at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Payne reflects on the adrenaline-fueled confrontation:

"They just jumped out. Slammed my head off the side of the car... I was like, dad gum, man. Don't y'all know I'm undercover?" (33:15)

Simultaneously capturing both McDowell and himself, the arrest leads to McDowell’s confession and subsequent sentencing for felony firearm possession. This successful takedown underscores the critical importance of undercover operations in thwarting domestic terrorism threats.

Reflections on Undercover Work and the Klan

Throughout the episode, Payne shares candid insights into the psychological toll and ethical dilemmas inherent in undercover work. Confronted with individuals like McDowell, whose potential for violence is palpable despite incongruent outward appearances, Payne grapples with the profound realities of extremist infiltration.

He muses on the deceptive facades of perpetrators:

"Most people are gonna look and go, oh, what a, you know, nerd, idiot, whatever, dweeb. They can't. But look, they all killed people." (30:43)

These reflections underscore the nuanced challenges agents face in distinguishing benign appearances from latent threats, emphasizing the indispensable nature of vigilance and empathy in such roles.

Conclusion: The Silent Frontline Against Hatred

In "Klan Kologne," Michelle Shepherd masterfully encapsulates the harrowing yet crucial endeavors of Agent Scott Payne in combating domestic terrorism. Through Payne’s harrowing experiences—from inadvertently joining a Klan rally to orchestrating the arrest of a potential mass shooter—the episode illuminates the relentless pursuit of justice amid deep-seated hatred and prejudice.

As the series progresses, Payne’s narrative serves as a testament to the sacrifices and complexities faced by those on the frontline against extremism, offering listeners a profound understanding of the invisible wars waged to safeguard communities from the brink of violence.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Payne (05:08): "I am not breaking the chain."

• Scott Payne (10:55): "Are we cleaning up stuff and making this community better?"

• Scott Payne (17:09): "There’s no domestic terrorism statute. You just try to find out if they're committing any kind of crime..."

• Scott Payne (28:39): "I want to do something in the style of Dylann Roof, but on a grander scale."

• Scott Payne (30:43): "Most people are gonna look and go, oh, what a, you know, nerd, idiot, whatever, dweeb. They can't. But look, they all killed people."

Behind the Scenes

White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse is co-written by Michelle Shepherd and Scott Payne, expanding on the harrowing tales of undercover operations. Produced with meticulous attention to detail, the series is crafted alongside their book, Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis. The collaborative efforts of senior producer Ashley Mack, producer Eunice Kim, and the dedicated production team ensure a compelling and authentic narrative experience.

For listeners eager to delve deeper into the clandestine world of undercover agents combating white supremacist threats, Season 2 of White Hot Hate continues to deliver insightful and emotionally charged storytelling, available on all major podcast platforms.