ADL: White supremacist groups increasingly spreading message in public spaces

BOSTON — The Anti-Defamation League is raising concerns about a new tactic they say promotes hate - including here in New England.

The ADL says they've seen an uptick in white supremacist groups putting up banners in visible spots - like highway overpasses and rooftops - that spread hate messages. They've had 72 cases presented nationwide since May of last year.

One of those banners was recently hung up - and taken down - from the Copley overpass.

The ADL says the recent activity needs to be addressed immediately.

“A lot of these groups feeling empowered, there’s a sense that now is their time to actually come out of the woodwork and be public about their messages,” Robert Trestan, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League Boston, said.

Along with the sign hung on the Copley overpass - another was seen at the Women's March in Providence earlier this year.

“It’s a reminder that New England is not immune,” Trestan said.

Trestan told Boston 25 News reporter Drew Karedes that white supremacy groups are now turning to these prime vantage points to target people, to promote themselves and to recruit others.

“The level of public discourse and vitriol has ramped up substantially in the last two years,” he said. “When you put messages out there that are intimidating to one group you’re encouraging others to act out.”

“I’m not so much worried about it spreading as much as people feeling more comfortable showing who they are,” Boston resident Nate Gibson said.

Most of the recent activity seems to be coming from the same place. According to the Anti-Defamation League, groups associated with the alt-right segment of the white supremacist movement are responsible for 73 percent of the incidents.

“That’s a reflection of society and the divide we have here at the moment,” Boston resident Richard Berry said.

On the streets of Boston, most people said they are disgusted by statistics and that it’s happening here, in a city and region that promotes acceptance.

“People intolerance and ignore toward the human race this is the 21st century it’s not the 14th century anymore,” Boston resident John Brazie said.

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