Love Is the Heart of the Granite State

Statement in Response to presence masked members of the declared white nationalist group, Blood Tribe

The NH Council of Churches is deeply saddened and disconcerted to learn of the presence of approximately 18 masked members of the declared white nationalist group, Blood Tribe, who occupied the steps of the State House yesterday morning, just as the Prep Team for the NH 50501 Rage Against the Regime Rally arrived to set up.

We are grateful that the members of the Prep Team were unharmed because they followed peaceful, non-violent protocols, including non-engagement. These organizers modeled the principles of moral courage and nonviolent resistance in the face of deliberate provocation.  We are hosting a non-violent direct action training on August 20, 2025 to equip people with tools to respond to threats like this.

It’s reported—and confirmed by video footage—that masked members of Blood Tribe shouted anti-immigrant slurs and messages rooted in white supremacist ideology. We are particularly alarmed that a Concord resident was pepper sprayed and assaulted by a member of the group. Yet, to our knowledge, neither the Concord Police Department nor New Hampshire State Police investigated the assault. The use of a U-Haul truck by this group to transport their members violates public safety law also went unstopped. Those officers must be held accountable for their failure to uphold public safety and to respond to politically motivated violence.

Furthermore, the inaction of our elected officials and public safety departments is unacceptable. We are disappointed that neither Governor Kelly Ayotte nor Concord Mayor Byron Champlin have issued public statements reaffirming that New Hampshire is a welcoming state committed to the values of pluralism, belonging, and peace. Silence in the face of hate enables its spread. In the face of extremism, our leaders must speak boldly and act swiftly to protect the safety and dignity of all Granite Staters.

We call on U-Haul, whose equipment was used to aid this group’s illegal and hate-fueled assembly, to strengthen and expand the steps it began in May 2025 when it banned rentals to the white nationalist group Patriot Front after a Kansas City incident. U-Haul must now adopt a robust screening protocol to prevent the misuse of its rentals by known hate groups and white supremacist organizations.

As people of faith, we proclaim that love is stronger than hate. White supremacy has no place in our state, in churches, or the public square. Let us recommit to building beloved community—where everyone lives peacefully and respectfully alongside their neighbor. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12

The New Hampshire Council of Churches is grateful to be co-hosting its third Countering Christian Nationalism event already scheduled for September 18th, which will provide essential tools and context for recognizing and confronting this emboldened tide of anti-democratic ideologies as part of our ongoing Countering Christian Nationalism project.

Love must lead us forward. Hate has no home in New Hampshire.

Lisa D. Beaudoin

Executive Director