Photo Courtesy of our news partner KXLY.com
(COEUR D’ALENE) Two men from King County were among 31 arrested over the weekend for planning to riot during a PRIDE celebration in northern Idaho.
The group of men were all dressed in blue shirts and tan pants, and are part of the group known as “Patriot Front.” The men had arrived from 10 different states, assembled at a motel, and were spotted climbing inside the back of a U-Haul truck. The truck carrying the men didn’t get far; a tip to police results in the truck being stopped and searched.
Inside the truck, police found riot gear: Helmets, shields, and shin guards. They also report that one smoke bomb was found.
“Patriot Front” is a well-known white nationalist organization. Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a statement condemning the intentions of the group.
Two of the 31 arrested are from King County, but because the men haven’t been charged yet, we are not reporting their names. Local authorities plan to charge them with “Conspiracy to Riot,” which is a misdemeanor. All have been freed on bond while awaiting charges, which will likely come later today.
Coeur d’Alene’s Pride festival on Saturday was uninterrupted, and several in attendance were thankful for the police department’s quick actions.
