IFA Statement on Kenosha Shooting

This is not an isolated incident. Rather, it is the inevitable result of a horrifying rise in violent far-right extremism that has gone largely unchecked.

Integrity First for America Executive Director Amy Spitalnick released the following statement:

“Last night in Kenosha, an armed extremist shot dead two protesters and injured one more. Reports indicate that there was explicit discussion of shooting protesters on a Kenosha militia Facebook page before the attack.

“Make no mistake: this is not an isolated incident. Rather, it is the inevitable result of a horrifying rise in violent far-right extremism that has gone largely unchecked.

“The very same tools and tactics seen in Charlottesville three years ago – and other subsequent attacks - have been used at scale in recent months: coopting social media to plan violence; deliberate car attacks, often fueled by online memes; disinformation that seeks to pin the blame for far-right violence on antifa or Black Lives Matter; and more.

“History will only continue to repeat itself until this threat is treated with the urgency it deserves. These increasingly emboldened extremists – from white supremacists to militias and boogaloo boys – will only become further encouraged until they are truly held accountable for their actions. Our plaintiffs are doing so through our Charlottesville case; and it’s time for officials on all levels of government to do the same.”

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Integrity First for America (IFA) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to holding those accountable who threaten longstanding principles of our democracy—including our country's commitment to civil rights and equal justice. IFA is backing the landmark federal lawsuit against the two dozen neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and hate groups responsible for the August 2017 violence in Charlottesville.To learn more about the case, click here.