A White supremacist group known as Patriot Front has established a compound in the Appalachian foothills of Tellico Plains, Tennessee. This 124-acre site has raised concerns among local residents, particularly regarding the group’s activities and ideology. The compound, reportedly managed by Ian Elliott, a prominent figure within the group, has become a focal point of rising tensions in the area.
Residents have expressed fear towards their new neighbors, with one mother commenting, “I’m afraid to let my own kids do the same things I did.” She recalled a childhood filled with exploration in the woods, now overshadowed by worries about the activities of the group, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has classified as a hate group. The group’s presence has changed the dynamic of the previously tranquil community, prompting concerns over safety and social division.
Patriot Front’s Activities and Ideology
Founded by Thomas Rousseau in the wake of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Patriot Front promotes a White nationalist agenda. Rousseau has stated that only individuals of European heritage can claim to be American, and his group’s manifesto claims that “Americans are on the threshold of becoming a conquered people.” Despite claiming to be a non-violent organization, the group has been involved in various violent incidents, including a $2.75 million civil judgment awarded to Charles Murrell III, a Black musician who was attacked by members during a protest in Boston.
According to data from the Anti-Defamation League, Tennessee ranks fourth in the nation for White supremacist events, with only Texas, Alabama, and Pennsylvania reporting higher numbers. Daryl Johnson, a former analyst at the Department of Homeland Security, remarked that Patriot Front operates as part of a broader network, facilitating connections between various extremist groups through rallies and closed meetings.
The Compound’s Development and Community Reactions
Drone and satellite imagery captured by CNN revealed the rapid development of the compound, which has seen the construction of at least five buildings since 2021. Local residents have reported loud noises and an influx of people and vehicles, raising questions about the group’s activities. Videos shared online by members showcase training sessions and rituals that take place within the compound, further alarming the community.
Despite the group’s attempts to downplay their activities, Rousseau has been vocal about his goals. He emphasized the importance of building a community that caters to like-minded individuals. Elliott’s comments about the compound being “tribal land” add to the growing unease among nearby residents, who worry about the group’s intentions. Mayor Marilyn Parker of Tellico Plains has received numerous inquiries from concerned citizens, underscoring the community’s anxiety over the situation.
Elliott has expressed plans to establish a mixed martial arts academy at the compound, which may serve as a recruitment tool for the group. This connection to MMA is particularly concerning, as such clubs have been identified as pathways into extremist ideologies. The group’s strict membership criteria, allowing only White men of European descent, further highlights their exclusionary practices.
As tensions rise, many residents hope for a resolution that would see the group relocate. One neighbor poignantly asked, “What did a Black person do to you?” reflecting the broader frustrations felt within the community over the intrusion of extremist ideologies into their peaceful lives.
The legacy of the Culpepper family, particularly Brian Culpepper, who led a Tennessee chapter of the National Socialist Movement, looms over the site. With Brian’s recent passing, uncertainty surrounds the future of the compound. The property was purchased in 2021 by his partner, Liudmila Culpepper, and the listing of the building housing Elliott’s gym for sale raises questions about the group’s ongoing activities.
As the community grapples with the implications of having a White supremacist compound in its midst, many remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution to restore the safety and tranquility of Tellico Plains.
