Massachusetts’ attorney general, Andrea Campbell, has taken legal action against a white nationalist group, NSC-131, and its leaders, Christopher Hood and Liam McNeil, for alleged civil rights violations. The lawsuit accuses the group of engaging in intimidation and harassment targeting LGBTQ+ events and migrant family shelters. Campbell asserts that NSC-131 has violated state civil rights laws and unlawfully interfered with public safety through their violent and threatening conduct.
The complaint, filed on Thursday, highlights the group’s repeated targeting of drag story hours between July 2022 and January 2023, with attempts to shut down the events and attacks on attendees. Additionally, prosecutors allege that NSC-131 also targeted migrant shelters from October 2022 to October 2023.
Campbell states, “NSC-131 has engaged in a concerted campaign to target and terrorize people across Massachusetts and interfere with their rights. Our complaint is the first step in holding this neo-Nazi group and its leaders accountable for their unlawful actions against members of our community.”
Attempts to reach Hood and McNeil for comment on the lawsuit were unsuccessful, and it is unclear if they have legal representation. The Anti-Defamation League describes NSC-131 as a New England-based neo-Nazi group founded in 2019, known for promoting racism, antisemitism, and intolerance. The group’s membership consists of individuals with previous affiliations with other white supremacist groups.
Earlier this year, NSC-131 faced trespassing complaints in New Hampshire, where they displayed “Keep New England White” banners without a permit. The complaints were eventually dismissed by a judge. In March 2022, the group made an appearance at South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, holding up a banner that read “Keep Boston Irish.” The parade organizers and Mayor Michelle Wu swiftly denounced the group’s presence.
This lawsuit represents a significant step in addressing the actions of NSC-131 and holding them accountable for their alleged violations. It underscores Massachusetts’ commitment to protecting the civil rights of its residents and ensuring public safety.
