The massive rise in white nationalists groups across North Carolina has state officials concerned.
Leader of the Special Operations and Intelligence Section of the state Department of Public Safety, Tony Taylor, told WRAL on Friday the gang population in NC is steadily increasing. However, white supremacy groups are beginning to appear more often than the others.
“We’re not sure what’s causing it. It’s just a trend we’re starting to see, and we’re trying to figure that out,” Taylor added. “We don’t know what’s causing it other than this one group that seems to be standing out right now – Bound for Glory.”
The main gangs in the state are Crips, Bloods, Gangster Disciples and Folk Nation. Groups like the Aryan Nation and the Klu Klux Klan have expanded frequently inside and outside of the prison walls. Studies revealed an increase of “in violence and violent behavior” according to DPS intelligence agent Russell Jackson.
The Southern Poverty Law Center reported in February that hate groups have grown by four percent in the U.S. since 2017. Over 32 of the groups exists in North Carolina, the SPLC reported. “Alt-right” white supremacy gangs increased from 784 in 2014 to 954 nationally in 2017. Officials recognized an increase of white nationalists groups during President Trump’s first year in office.
The growth of white supremacy fan sites and social media pages continues. Even apps have been created for racist gangs to communicate with one another and invisible to law enforcement. However, organizations and authorities kept tracks of the groups and warned parents early on.
“Usually, you can see it,” said Taylor. “You see your kid hanging out with people you just know they should not be hanging out with. You start seeing some of the social media stuff that doesn’t look quite right. That’s something I would encourage all parents to do – pay attention to that, because that’s where we get a lot of information from.”
