Neo-Nazi Hate Group Leader and Followers Are Being Sued after Vandalizing Arthur Ashe Monument - Accused of Terrorizing a Richmond Virginia Black Community
March 9, 2023 10:02PM EST

Arthur Ashe Mural Richmond, Virginia

The hate group Patriot Front, its leader and about two dozen members are being sued in Richmond, Virginia stemming from the destruction of a mural of local Richmond hero and tennis player Arthur Ashe.

Arthur Ashe Mural Defaced with Spray paint Richmond Virginia

Arthur Ashe Mural Defaced with Spray paint Richmond Virginia

Arthur Ashe Mural Defaced with Spray paint Richmond Virginia

The mural is located in a predominantly black community (77 percent). The plaintiffs in the case allege that black people in the community avoided the park after the vandalism out of fear that the park is no longer safe.

Here's from the court filing.

After the vandalism, Plaintiff Doe 1 worried about being targeted, given that their home, 
which is close to the Park, had signs showing their support of Black Lives Matter and the 
LGBTQ+ community. After the vandalism, Plaintiff Doe 1 removed their BLM signs out of a 
concern for safety. Plaintiff Doe 1 wondered if they or their neighbors would be targeted 
by Patriot Front and worried for the safety of their children.

79. Plaintiff Doe 1 was especially unnerved because of the timing of the vandalism with 
the high-profile Charlottesville trial and presence in Virginia of the defendants in that 
case to attend court and defend their violent and racist actions.

80. As a result of Patriot Front’s vandalism in Battery Park, Plaintiff Doe 1 lost sleep, 
had racing thoughts, and felt anxious. In the days and weeks after the vandalism, 
Plaintiff Doe 1 made sure their children did not go to the Park alone, something that 
Plaintiff Doe 1 had previously allowed them to do. Because they felt intimidated and 
fearful, Plaintiff Doe 1 also started avoiding the Park at dusk, including skipping 
watching fireworks there – something they had previously done.

The list of Patriot Front members targeted by this civil lawsuit include the following individuals.

Court Documents