A white supremacist group marched through downtown Des Moines on Saturday afternoon, prompting widespread condemnation from Iowa political leaders.
Masked Marchers Carry Flags
Participants covered their faces and carried flags as they moved through the city. According to former state representative Ed Fallon, marchers handed out fliers promoting the group’s ideology. The organization, identified as Patriot Front, has been classified as a white nationalist hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
The group’s manifesto claims that only those descended from America’s original European settlers are true Americans, excluding non-white citizens and even some European immigrants from their definition.
Leaders Condemn the March
The march drew swift criticism from both local and state leaders.
State Representative Sean Bagniewski (D-Des Moines) called the event “pretty chickensh**” on Meta (Facebook), noting that marchers refused to show their faces.
State Representative Rob Johnson (D-Des Moines), who is Black, also condemned the march:
“Let me be absolutely clear: hate has no place in our city, in our state, or anywhere. We will never support, condone, or stand idly by while groups that promote racism and division try to make their presence known in our community.”
He emphasized that Des Moines stands for unity, diversity, and resilience, reassuring residents that hate will not prevail.
Ongoing Concerns About Extremist Activity
Patriot Front has staged similar marches across the country, often targeting major cities. Their organized efforts to spread white nationalist ideology have raised concerns among civil rights groups and law enforcement agencies.
