Report on Counter Extremism (February 2025)
If you experience or witness discrimination, threats, harassment, or violence or see demonstrations by extremist groups, please report them to Catalyst Montana. By tracking these activities, we better understand the escalation of these groups.
TL;DR: Recent incidents in our Montana communities have highlighted a troubling rise in right-wing extremist and racist ideologies and their undeniable connection to acts of violence. The increasing visibility in Montana of extremist ideologies poses a significant threat to the social fabric of our state. These beliefs not only endanger targeted individuals but also foster an environment of fear and division under the big sky. The cases of Darren Abbey and Timothy Westervelt serve as stark reminders of this growing concern. It is imperative that communities implement comprehensive strategies to address the underlying causes of extremist behavior and provide adequate support for reintegration. This includes mental health services, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives aimed at preventing radicalization and promoting social belonging.
In a recent incident on Tuesday, January 28th, leader of the Yellowstone Militia, Timothy Westervelt was involved in an armed standoff at the Livingston Starbucks. Following a peaceful resolution of the incident, Westervelt, a resident of Billings, is being held in the Park County jail on multiple felony counts, including sexual abuse of children under the age of 16 and felony rape charges. Westervelt is also a known associate of The People's Rights Network, an anti government movement founded and led by insurrectionists Ammon, Cliven and Ryan Bundy.
The arrest last fall of Daren Christopher Abbey for the brutal murder of camper Dustin Kjersem near Big Sky, Montana, also underscores the alarming presence of violent white nationalist ideologies within our state. Abbey, 41, was apprehended after DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene, where Kjersem was found with multiple fatal injuries. This incident is not Abbey's first violent encounter. In 2011, he was arrested in Bayview, Idaho, for threatening a Black man in a racially motivated attack, highlighting a pattern of behavior rooted in white supremacist beliefs. Abbey’s known associations with white nationalists in Northern Idaho were not an isolated phase in his life. As recently as late 2023, he was known to actively associate with white nationalists in Butte and Kalispell. Furthermore, his social media accounts also reveal direct communication with known white supremacists up until the time of his arrest in late October of 2024.
These cases are not isolated. Sebastian Campbell, identified as a leader of the Montana chapter of "White Lives Matter," was sentenced in 2023 to prison for assault with a weapon. Campbell attacked another man with a beer bottle, causing severe injuries. Kalispell Municipal Court records show Campbell was also charged in August 2021 with partner or family member assault, causing bodily injury to partner or family member, 1st offense. Campbell pleaded not guilty in September of that year and the case was dismissed by the prosecution in February 2023. His continued association with this hate group underscores the dangerous propensity for violence that members and associates espouse and often are compelled to act on.
White nationalism, a subcategory of right-wing extremism, promotes white superiority and the creation of a white-only state, often fueling dehumanization and violence. The Southern Poverty Law Center highlights how these groups claim white people are victims of racial genocide and “the great replacement” to justify their actions. This ideology is not isolated but part of a broader national trend. According to the Aspen Institute, white nationalist extremists have caused more deaths in the U.S. than any other domestic extremists since 9/11. A 2024 Anti Defamation League report further links 80% of mass shootings since then to right-wing extremists and white nationalists.
President Donald Trump’s recent pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6th, 2021 insurrection, has raised significant concerns about the potential for continued criminal behavior among some of the released individuals with their connection to extremist and racially motivated ideologies. While most of those convicted do not have criminal arrest records prior to January 6th, 2021, a troubling number do have extensive histories of criminal behavior and a flagrant disregard for the law. Many of those with histories of violence and assault are members of, or associated with groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. Both organizations leaders were amongst those arrested after January 6th and subsequently pardoned by Trump. While the release of these violent leaders, and their vows of retribution are extremely concerning on their own, other rank and file insurrectionists have immediately fallen right back into old habits and predilections towards violence.
One notable case is that of Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old from Hobart, Indiana, who was recently pardoned for his participation in the Capitol riot. Shortly after his release, Huttle was fatally shot by a Jasper County sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop. Authorities reported that an altercation occurred during the stop, during which Huttle, who was armed, resisted arrest, leading to the deputy discharging his weapon. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with the release of individuals convicted of serious offenses. Huttle's case is particularly concerning given his criminal history, which includes multiple arrests between the Capitol riot and his pardon.
Considering that these instances appear to be far from uncommon amongst those convicted after January 6th, it hardly comes as a surprise to hear about the case of Andrew Taake. Taake, a 36-year-old from Houston, Texas, was serving a 74-month federal prison sentence for assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol riot with bear spray and a metal whip. Following his pardon and subsequent release on January 20, 2025, it emerged that Taake had an outstanding 2016 charge for soliciting a minor online. Despite requests from Texas authorities to detain him for this pending case, he was released. The Harris County District Attorney's Office issued a warrant for his arrest concerning the unresolved child solicitation charge and he was subsequently taken into custody on February 6th after several weeks of evading contact with law enforcement.
The case of Andrew Taake highlights the complexities and risks of blanket pardons, particularly when individuals face pending charges beyond their federal convictions. It raises important questions about the vetting process before granting pardons and the safeguards needed to address serious allegations. Taake’s case exemplifies the unintended consequences of broad executive clemency, emphasizing the need for a more careful and nuanced approach to such decisions.
These examples also further highlight the complex challenges associated with the reintegration of individuals involved in extremist activities. The recurrence of criminal behavior among some pardoned individuals raises questions about the effectiveness of current efforts. Communities must adopt comprehensive strategies to tackle the root causes of extremism to realize effective reintegration.
Deradicalization is not an easy task. It requires a consistent application of inclusion, reconciliation, forgiveness, love and empathy. In fact the antidote to hate is an easy formula. When you remove the conditions of isolation, re-traumatization, substance abuse, victimization, and socio-economic despair; replacing them instead with belonging, re-processing, treatment, empowerment, and opportunity you create a vessel for rehabilitation and reintegration. This involves providing mental health services, educational programs, and community initiatives that prevent recidivism and foster social cohesion.
Montana has long been celebrated for its natural beauty and the warmth of its communities. To preserve this legacy, it is imperative to confront the extremist and racist ideologies that threaten our way of life. By uniting against hate, we can ensure a safer and more inclusive future for all Montanans. The safety and unity of our communities depend on a balanced approach that upholds justice while fostering opportunities for rehabilitation and positive change.
Two Success Stories of Countering Extremism!
Billings Metra Battle
In January 2025, Yellowstone County Commissioner Chair Mark Morse proposed repurposing Billings' MetraPark, a venue known for hosting concerts, fairs, and community events, as a detention facility for undocumented immigrants.
The proposal sparked significant public outcry. Residents expressed concerns about transforming a cherished community space into a detention center, potential disruptions to scheduled events, and the broader social and moral implications. During public comment sessions at the Yellowstone County Commission, many denounced the idea, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the community's fabric and the risk of associating people of color with criminality.
On the weekend of February 1st, local activists held several demonstrations in front of the Metra Park in Billings. These protests helped add much needed visibility to the issue and helped give voice to a diverse swath of Billings residents.
Photo by Jenna Martin for the Daily Montanan
Local organizations and businesses also weighed in. First Interstate Bank, which holds the naming rights to MetraPark's main arena, released a statement urging a "peaceful resolution" to the controversy, highlighting the facility's importance to the community's social and economic well-being. Billings First Congregational Church installed a public display of a person in a cage with a MetraPark sign above it. This powerful installation further drove home the real implications of turning a public forum meant to bring Montanans together into a detention facility. Pastor Marcus Frye put it plainly: “We solve way too many problems in our country by putting people in cages. The way of Jesus isn't building more cages to house more people, the way of Jesus is freeing people."
In response to the mounting opposition, MetraPark's General Manager, Stoney Field, issued a statement clarifying that there were no plans to utilize MetraPark or any of its structures as a detention facility. He emphasized the venue's commitment to serving as an economic driver by hosting diverse events for the region.
Despite the public's concerns and the general manager's assurances, Commissioner Morse did not retract his initial offer. As of February 2025, the federal government had not responded to the proposal, and MetraPark continued its regular operations, hosting events as scheduled. This may be one small victory, but it is an important reminder that we still have power to resist violence and tyranny. We still have a voice and the louder we are the less they can ignore our insistence on justice for all Montanans no matter who they are or where they come from.
Religious Extremists Defeated on 10 Commandments Bill:
On February 15th 2025, the Montana Senate narrowly defeated Senate Bill 114, which sought to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the state. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Bob Phalen (R-Lindsay), was modeled after similar legislation in Louisiana and aimed to introduce religious principles into educational settings.
The proposal ignited intense debate among lawmakers. Sen. Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton) expressed his moral support for the Ten Commandments, but opposed the bill on constitutional grounds, citing the First Amendment's prohibition of establishing religion. Sen. Susan Webber (D-Browning), a member of the Blackfeet Nation and survivor of an Indian boarding school, highlighted the historical trauma inflicted on Native American children in the name of Christianity and argued that the bill would violate the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
During the legislative testimony on Senate Bill 114, David Barton, constitutional revisionist, christian nationalist & founder of the organization WallBuilders, testified in support of the bill. Barton, known for his stance against the separation of church and state, presented original American artifacts to argue that the Ten Commandments have a longstanding historical presence in the United States. He highlighted instances where the Ten Commandments have been integrated into American culture, suggesting that their display in public school classrooms aligns with the nation's traditions.
Supporters, including Majority Leader Sen. Tom McGillvray (R-Billings) and Senate President Sen. Matt Regier (R-Kalispell), contended that the Ten Commandments provide moral guidance and that their display would not constitute the promotion of a specific religion, drawing parallels to national mottos and pledges.
Ultimately, the Senate voted 24-26 against the bill, with eight Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. The decision underscores how strong the push from the christian right is to integrate sectarian religious teachings in public schools, however it also proved that there is a bipartisan understanding of the critical importance of a clear separation of church and state with respect to the establishment clause of the first amendment.
If you experience or witness discrimination, threats, harassment, or violence or see demonstrations by extremist groups, please report them to Catalyst Montana. By tracking these activities, we better understand the escalation of these groups.