Arraignments are scheduled today [Monday] for the 31 people arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Saturday. They face charges of conspiracy to riot. Police believe they were headed toward a Pride celebration gathering in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
Authorities say the group are members of a white supremacist group known as Patriot Front. They come from about a dozen states, including Washington, Idaho and Oregon. All have apparently posted bail and been released from jail.
Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White said during a Saturday press conference the people were detained during a traffic stop conducted after a resident had warned officers after seeing them file into a U-Haul van. They were wearing masks and shields. He says police also confiscated other riot gear, include a smoker grenade. White said it’s clear the group came to cause a disturbance.
He said the defendants dressed similarly, wearing arm patches and logos that said Patriot Front. He said officers from several agencies were involved in the arrest.
