The Far-Right and Pop-Up Rallies

I've been following the activities of the far-right in Canada for over 6 years. For much of that time the big push from organizers has been to hold large public rallies often with the intent of fomenting a revolution. *rolls eyes*
The Yellow Vest movement attempted this, but their convoy to Ottawa was easily dismissed. It was also countered by a group of anti-hate activists.

The COVID-19 pandemic helped to radicalize people, and it eventually resulted in the convoy/occupation in Ottawa. During the first weekend there was likely 15,000 people in downtown Ottawa, and organizer James Bauder did write in his "memorandum of understanding" that their goal was to overthrow the government. Still, after the initial shock of their arrival some people chose to stay and camp out in their vehicles. By the time the police cleared them out they only had a fraction of that amount of people.

Day 1

Day 3

The Ottawa occupation and border blockades were a rarity in that they had an actual impact on public policy. Many of the COVID restrictions were lifted shortly afterwards. Eventually the people of Ottawa got sick of the abuse coming from the covid occupiers, and organized a blockade of a supply convoy. A day after "The Battle of Billing's Bridge" the emergencies act was invoked and the occupation came to an end. Since then supporters of the convoy have attempt to re-live that moment with multiple failed convoys(here, here, here, here).
Following the 2022 convoy an anti-LGTBQ+ movement popped up. They were able to organize some sizeable events, but were often met with counter demonstrations that stifled their ability to get their message out. But this opposition was only possible because the far-right advertised their activities in advance.

Some of the more extreme groups are now feeling emboldened enough to hop off of the internet and hold events in public. But instead of promoting events beforehand in order to invite as much of the public as possible, they're showing up with no prior announcement, expressing white nationalist views, often while in uniform and concealing their identities.

For example in the US Neo-Nazi groups Blood Tribe and Goyim Defense League have showed up on overpasses, in front of synagogues, and at children's events while displaying swastikas.

Members of the GDL in front of a Georgia synagogue

Members of Blood Tribe on an overpass

In Australia, the National Socialist Network organized some of their earlier events in a similar manner. They showed up at Melbourne University, threw Hitler salutes in front of a Holocaust museum and disrupted family friendly LGTBQ+ events.

NSN at Melbourne University

NSN in front of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum

This style of unannounced pop-up rally is starting gain traction in Canada as well, and so far the main group being targeted is immigrants. Last year an unidentified person or people in Alberta began wearing costumes while holding anti-immigration signs.

In November some Neo-Nazis from a group of former Proud Boys called Nationalist-13 held a small rally in Hamilton, Ontario with anti-immigration messaging.

A group of masked Active Club Neo-Nazis in Manitoba held a banner drop and ended up getting identified.

More of these pop-ups have happened in Kitchener  and London, Ontario.

Kitchener, Ontario

London, Ontario

London, Ontario

 

London, Ontario

In Alberta, Neo-Nazi Steve Hanson has been organizing and promoting pop-up rallies.

Diagolon are attempting to re-brand as the "Second Sons". They have taken influence from Neo-Nazi Active Clubs and focused on physical fitness and combat training. The Diagolon guys will claim that the training is for health and aesthetic, but don't believe them(here, here, here, here, here, here, here,).

A Second Sons training session

They plan to start holding their own marches this year, modeled after what Patriot Front does in the U.S. Patriot Front will hold pop-up style rallies with Neo-Nazi imagery, but they're known for holding marches while wearing matching uniforms and carrying shields.

Members of Patriot Front were arrested and convicted for attempting to riot at a Pride parade in North Idaho.

With Neo-Nazis planning these events privately and showing up unannounced it makes it far more difficult to effectively counter them. Their goal is to shift attitudes against immigrants, non-white people, and the LGTBQ+ community. Often the pop-up events are short, only long enough to take pictures and share them on social media. After they've retreated to the safety of the internet the media will sometimes cover the event, and local politicians will denounce them which amplifies the attention that they crave.

One effective counter demonstration did take place in Alberta however. Residents of St Albert showed up at the same place that the Neo-Nazis were days prior and held an anti-hate rally.

And counter-demonstrations like this really do have an impact. It not only displays to the rest of the community that people won't live in fear of the Neo-Nazis that are targeting them, but it reminds the Nazis that their opinions are unpopular and that they're totally outnumbered.
Proof:

Reminding Neo-Nazis that they are losers is always a good thing.