Refounding Fathers Festival – “Celebrate Heroes of January 6th”

Event Date: July 24, 2021

Organized by: Super Happy Fun America

Organizations Present:

• Citizens Organized to Restore Rights (CORR)
• North Shore Team Trump
• Proud Boys – present and providing “security”
• United Cape Patriots
• Bay State Chinese Patriots
• Vietnamese Americans for Trump
• Mass Resistance
• Bao Chao Marigold Coffee Club

White Supremacists/Fascists Present:

• Mark Sahady
• John Hugo
• Samson Racioppi
• Brendan Navrom
• Rod Burke
• Susan Ianni
• Rayla Campbell
• Dave Kopacz
• David Steinhof
• Julie Boras
• Brian Camenker
• Bill Genz
• Hal Shurtleleff

Key Takeaways/Facts:

• SHFA’s first publicly organized event since the Capitol Riot, though Ianni and Sahady had both been seen at other white supremacist demonstrations in early to mid 2021.
• First public collaboration between CORR and SHFA. SHFA brings more national connections to white supremacist organizations while CORR brings less name recognition and conservatives radicalized by reactionary movements against lockdowns, mask and vaccine mandates.
• Steinhof, of CORR, endorses use of violence to achieve their goals while on stage; Ianni compares the rainbow peace flag to the Nazi flag – signaling the dangerous rhetoric of persecuted white, straight Christians.
• Multiple speakers outline strategies for advancing conservative priorities through legislation and organizing.

Impact:

• Solidified relationships between CORR and SHFA
• Cemented Ianni and Sahady’s return to public organizing while still under prosecution
• Counter-organizing by community groups mobilized local and state politicians, including Auburn Selectman Tristan LaLiberte, to condemn the gathering

Media Coverage:

• “Refounding Fathers Festival Auburn Trump supporters, protesters,” Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 7/24/21  (without paywall here)
• “A Gathering For Trump Fans In Auburn Makes Little Noise, Spawns Small Counter-Protest,” Esteban Bustillos, WGBH,7/24/21 
• “Outrage erupts in MA town as ‘ignorant’ conservatives plan ‘heroes of Jan 6’ fundraiser for pro-Trump insurrectionists,” John Wright, RawStory, 7/23/21
• “Right-Wing Gathering In Auburn Will Celebrate ‘Heroes Of Jan. 6’,” Neil McNamara, Patch.com, 7/21/21
• “MassEquality To Counterprotest SHFA’s Event,” The Rainbow Times, 7/22/21

Social Media Coverage

• MassEquality – Standing out in Auburn at our Patriots for Equity Rally, Facebook post, 7/24/21
• TAKE 10 MINUTES TODAY to SHUT DOWN white supremacy in Auburn, MA! – SURJ Worcester, Facebook post, 7/21/21