On July 4, 2026, hundreds of masked men affiliated with the neo-fascist, white supremacist organization Patriot Front marched through Washington DC, carrying banners including the Confederate flag. The group gathered in front of Union Station before proceeding towards Capitol Hill, according to WTOP.

The demonstration coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. Members of Patriot Front chanted slogans such as “Life, liberty, victory!” and “Reclaim America!” as captured in videos posted on social media. Reuters images showed masked participants riding the DC Metro, drawing wary looks from other riders.

The march was reportedly led by Thomas Rousseau, the founder of Patriot Front. The group had last been seen marching during Memorial Day weekend at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, as reported by local affiliate 13News Now.

The event attracted some counterprotesters, including a man with a bullhorn who shouted at the marchers, “Every single one of you justifies the fucking right to abortion.”

In response to the demonstration, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department stated it was monitoring first amendment activities in the Eastern Market neighborhood and emphasized its commitment to protecting peaceful expression while maintaining public safety for residents and visitors.

Morgan Moon, an investigative researcher with the ADL Center on Extremism, highlighted the group’s capabilities, saying, “No other white supremacist group operating in the US today is able to match Patriot Front’s ability to produce media, ability to mobilize across the country and ability to finance. That’s what makes them a particular concern.”