White Supremacist Group Ordered to Pay $2.7 Million to Black Man Attacked in 2022 March
A Black teacher and musician, Charles Murrell III, was awarded over $2.7 million in federal court after being attacked by the white nationalist group Patriot Front during an unpermitted march in downtown Boston in 2022. The court ruled in favor of Murrell on Monday, holding Patriot Front and its leader Thomas Rousseau accountable for the assault that left Murrell with physical and psychological injuries.
The Attack and Legal Battle
Murrell was near the Boston Public Library over the Fourth of July weekend in 2022 when members of Patriot Front shoved him against a light post using metal shields, pushing him into a busy street. The federal judge, Indira Talwani, found Patriot Front and Rousseau liable for Murrell’s pain and suffering, lost wages, future earnings, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The court determined that the attack was motivated by Anti-Black bias.
Background of Patriot Front
Patriot Front is a white supremacist group known for its image-obsessed agenda that split from Vanguard America after the Charlottesville rally in 2017. In Boston, they marched the Freedom Trail in 2022 wearing disguises to conceal their identities. The group’s actions have been condemned by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center for promoting fascist ideologies.
Impact on Charles Murrell
Murrell, a classically trained saxophonist, suffered physical injuries that required stitches and caused psychological trauma. His performance schedule has been affected, and he now avoids crowded places due to the emotional toll of the attack. Despite the court’s ruling, no criminal charges have been filed against the perpetrators.
In a statement, Murrell expressed his fear during the assault, stating, “I thought I was going to die.” His legal team filed the case to hold Patriot Front accountable and seek justice for the harm caused. The group’s posting of the attack video online further exacerbated Murrell’s trauma, as they glorified the violence against him.
The court’s decision to award Murrell damages sends a strong message against hate groups and stands as a victory for victims of racially motivated attacks. The need for accountability and justice in cases of hate crimes is crucial to combatting discrimination and ensuring the safety of all individuals in our communities.
