
The phalanx of MAGA teens, denizens of alt-right groups such as Kekistan, Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and the greater diaspora of white male rage and impotence gathered at the [Boston Common] for a Free Speech Rally…On one side came shouts of “Nazi scum!” On the other “Commie faggots!” On one side chants of solidarity with immigrants and people of color. On the other oaths to white chauvinism, a refusal to apologize for “creating the modern world” and invitations for a “free helicopter ride.”
Luke O’Neill, “Scenes From Boston’s Ugly “Free Speech Rally“
Page Last Updated: 10/2020
Relevance to New England Landscape:
Boston Free Speech Coalition predates the longer lived Super Happy Fun America/Resist Marxism. We emphasize that SHFA/RM are direct descendants of BFS and include the same organizers.
BFS organized the Boston Free Speech Rally and the Second Boston Free Speech Rally. These rallies represent the Greater Boston version of the right wing’s attempts to unite different factions.
Between Trump’s election and Unite the Right in Charlottesville, these national efforts brought together alt-right activists, white nationalists, paramilitary groups, and male supremacist organizations.
Our profiles of BFS’s rallies (see below) show that exposing and opposing white supremacist organizing works. BFS ultimately failed as a coalition.
Since 2019, most BFS members have moved to Patriot Front or Nationalist Social Club.
Resources & Links:
- “Scenes From Boston’s Ugly “Free Speech Rally,” Luke O’Neill, Esquire, May 14, 2017
- “Who Is the Boston Free Speech Coalition behind Saturday’s Rally?” Meghan E. Irons, Boston Globe, August 16, 2017
New England Known Members/Affiliates:
- Kyle “Based Stickman” Chapman (founder)
- Chris Hood
- John Medlar
- Matthias Thorpe
- Matt Smaller
- Trevor Carey
New England Known Supporters:
New England Actions Since 2017:
- Emergency Protest, #FreeAssange
April 13, 2019
Boston - March Against Far-Left Violence
August 18, 2018
Boston - PROFILED EVENT: The Second Boston Free Speech Rally
August 19, 2017
Boston - PROFILED EVENT: Boston Free Speech Rally
May 13, 2017
Boston