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

outside of the venue of Refounding Fathers Festival, a large banner reading Stop Liberal Social Communists Trump 2024, with a US flag and crossed assault rifles on either side
photo credit Ashley Green

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:

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:

Social Media Coverage