Podcast Summary: White Hot Hate – Season 2, Episode 6: "Get Behind Me, Satan"

Introduction

In the gripping sixth episode of the second season of White Hot Hate, titled "Get Behind Me, Satan," CBC host Michelle Shephard delves deeper into the harrowing experiences of FBI undercover agent Scott Payne, also known by his codename "Pale Horse." This episode offers an unvarnished perspective of Payne's 28-year career infiltrating some of the most dangerous extremist groups, including outlaw biker gangs, drug cartels, and international neo-Nazi networks intent on sparking a race war.

Episode Overview

The episode primarily focuses on a pivotal case Payne handled—dubbed the "base case"—where his undercover work led to the dismantling of a highly organized white supremacist cell in Georgia. Through firsthand accounts and detailed narratives, Payne recounts the intense and often perilous missions he undertook to prevent acts of mass violence and domestic terrorism.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Infiltrating the Hate Camp

   Payne describes receiving a chilling text message from Luke Lane, the 20-year-old leader of the cell, outlining preparations for a weekend camping trip with specific instructions for weapons and survival gear (04:20). This "hate camp" was a training ground for members to prepare for what they believed would be a societal collapse—a scenario they termed the "boogaloo."

   Scott Payne ([03:48] 03:48): "All right, here we go. Tent. If you want a personal tent with privacy and don't want to cuddle with the bros in the big tent..."

2. The Goat Sacrifice Ritual

   One of the most harrowing moments Payne recounts is witnessing a pagan ritual involving the sacrifice of a goat, intended to invoke the Norse God Odin as part of their preparations for cleansing society of non-whites and Jews. Payne details the emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas he faced during this operation (09:18).

   Scott Payne ([12:27] 12:27): "I'm just observing. That's all I'm doing. I'm just sitting back going, all right, I'm paying attention to everything that's going on."

3. Planning of Assassinations

   The base case involved meticulous planning to assassinate an anti-fascist couple and later, Patrick Matthews—a Canadian army reservist whose life had been ruined after being outed as a member of the base. Payne explains how he used his undercover status to gain the trust of the group while gathering incriminating evidence (17:58).

   Scott Payne ([20:08] 20:08): "He's out of the guard, they came and got his guns... his idea is to be part of a ghost team that just goes around with other ghosts and kills lefties."

4. Evidentiary Maneuvers and Arrests

   Payne narrates the strategic moves he made to delay the assassination plot, ultimately leading to the FBI executing coordinated raids that resulted in the arrests of key members without Payne having to testify in court. This successful operation effectively dismantled the cell and prevented potential mass casualties (33:38).

   Scott Payne ([31:04] 31:04): "And I'm sure I said it out loud too, because that's me. I'm a verbal guy..."

5. Reflections on Retirement and Ongoing Threats

   Post-retirement, Payne reflects on his career and the evolving nature of white supremacist movements. He emphasizes the importance of education and dialogue in combating hate, drawing from his extensive experience to educate both law enforcement and the public (44:39).

   Scott Payne ([44:39] 44:39): "Get out there and talk about it... knowledge is power. Just get out there, man. Talk."

Notable Quotes with Attributions

• Michelle Shephard ([00:51] 00:51): "I knew you were gonna get to that."

• Scott Payne ([03:13] 03:13): "I've been doing undercover work since 1996. I have never had to burn bibles. I have never had to burn an American flag..."

• Michelle Shephard ([10:29] 10:29): "Scott's night doesn't end there. The others are tripping on acid, drinking and eating Gar, who had been crudely prepped and roasted on the fire."

• Scott Payne ([31:04] 31:04): "And I'm sure I said it out loud too, because that's me. I'm a verbal guy, but I. I know, right? Shocker."

• Michelle Shephard ([41:56] 41:56): "But here's what I would say to any leader, especially if you're the leader of the United States. Once, could you deescalate something?"

Conclusions and Takeaways

"Get Behind Me, Satan" serves as a profound exploration of the complexities and moral ambiguities faced by undercover agents like Scott Payne. The episode highlights the relentless nature of hate groups and the sophisticated methods they employ to further their agendas. Payne's experiences underscore the critical role of law enforcement in neutralizing such threats and the personal sacrifices involved in maintaining national security.

Moreover, Payne's reflections post-retirement shed light on the enduring challenges posed by extremist ideologies and the necessity for continued vigilance, education, and community engagement to prevent the resurgence of hate-fueled movements.

Final Thoughts

This episode not only provides a thrilling narrative of undercover operations but also invites listeners to ponder the broader societal issues that foster extremist ideologies. By sharing his frontline experiences, Scott Payne contributes invaluable insights into the ongoing struggle against hate groups, emphasizing that the fight for a more tolerant and peaceful society is far from over.

Note: Time stamps in square brackets correspond to the moments in the transcript where the quoted content is located.