White Supremacist Group Reportedly Plans To Disrupt Election In Philadelphia

A white supremacist leader has reportedly partnered with an alt-right website to create a plan to disrupt the election in the Philadelphia area. According to a report in Politico, neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin is going to hand out "40's and weed" in the "ghetto" of Philly to encourage residents to stay home and not vote.

White supremacist and nationalist groups including the Ku Klux Klan, the American Freedom Party, and The Oath Keepers have all said at various points that they will be "watching" the polls. The Oath Keepers, at least, frequently show up in public heavily armed. Republican nominee Donald Trump has urged voters to volunteer as "monitors" on Election Day, but many have taken this as license to restrict access to poor and minority areas which historically lean left.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has called Anglin a "serial exaggerator," so it is difficult to determine how reliable their threats or calls to action really are. But authorities are taking them seriously.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process," said United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams said that "harassment and intimidation of any kind will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The Department of Justice will monitor voter fraud throughout the day and urges the public to report any suspicious activity immediately.

"We all must ensure that those who are entitled to (vote) exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice," Memeger added.

To report possible abuse, call 1-800-253-3931 or email voting.section@usdoj.gov.

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