Robert Jay Mathews

Robert Jay Mathews was a prominent figure in the white nationalist movement in the United States, known for his involvement with the Aryan Nations and the founding of The Order. Mathews was influenced by the writings of William Luther Pierce, author of The Turner Diaries, and was also inspired by the ideology of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. He was a key figure in the White power movement, which included groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi Party.

● Early Life

Mathews was born in Marfa, Texas, to a family of English American and Scottish American descent. He grew up in a Christian Identity household, which emphasized the belief that White people were the true descendants of the Israelites and that Jews were the enemies of God. Mathews was homeschooled by his parents and developed a strong interest in American history, particularly the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. He was also influenced by the writings of George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of the American Nazi Party, and Richard Butler, founder of the Aryan Nations.

● Ideology and Activism

Mathews became involved in the White power movement at a young age, attending rallies and meetings organized by groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the National Socialist Party of America. He was particularly drawn to the ideology of Neo-Nazism, which emphasized the need for a White nationalist revolution to overthrow the United States government and establish a new Aryan society. Mathews was also influenced by the Posse Comitatus, a militia group that advocated for Tax resistance and Anti-Semitism. He saw himself as a patriot fighting against the perceived injustices of the United States government, which he believed was controlled by Jews and other minority groups.

● The Order

In 1983, Mathews founded The Order, a White nationalist group that aimed to establish a White ethnostate in the Pacific Northwest. The group was modeled after the SS and emphasized the need for Paramilitary training and Terrorism. Mathews and his followers, including David Lane and Bruce Pierce, carried out a series of Robberys and Bombings, including the Bombing of The Jewish Community Center in Seattle, Washington. The group's activities were monitored by the FBI, which saw The Order as a major threat to National security.

● Death and Legacy

Mathews died on December 8, 1984, during a shootout with FBI agents on Whidbey Island, Washington. The incident occurred after Mathews and his followers had been cornered by the FBI and were attempting to escape. Mathews' death was seen as a Martyrdom by some in the White power movement, who viewed him as a Hero who had given his life for the cause. His legacy continues to be felt in the White nationalist movement, with groups such as the Aryan Nations and the National Alliance continuing to promote his ideology. Mathews' actions have also been condemned by Civil rights groups, including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League.

● Trial and Aftermath

After Mathews' death, several of his followers were arrested and put on Trial for their involvement with The Order. David Lane and Bruce Pierce were convicted of RICO charges and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. The FBI also launched an investigation into the activities of The Order, which led to the arrest of several other White nationalist leaders, including Richard Butler and Louis Beam. The trial and aftermath of The Order's activities highlighted the growing threat of Domestic terrorism in the United States and led to increased scrutiny of White nationalist groups by Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.