Latest news with #OzarksPridefest
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Company Bans White Supremacists From Renting Trucks
Penske Truck Rental said on Sunday that it had banned members of the white nationalist hate group Patriot Front from renting its vehicles. The company's decision comes after videos on social media showed masked members of Patriot Front fleeing in one of the company's yellow trucks after being confronted by a group of people in downtown Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday. Newsweek has contacted Penske and the Springfield Police Department for further comment via email. Patriot Front frequently relies on rented trucks to transport members to demonstrations in cities across the country. Penske's response is the first public rebuke by a major company against the group and the decision could affect its ability to rent trucks in the future. The group's protests and public appearances are "typically tightly choreographed and scripted to maximize propaganda value," according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Patriot Front said in videos and posts on social media that its members were in downtown Springfield to protest Ozarks Pridefest, which is held annually in the city. But video of the incident shared by Patriot Front on Telegram and others on social media showed several members-dressed in khaki pants and carrying shields-climbing into the Penske truck after being confronted by a group of people angered by their presence. "Run, cowards, run," a man can be heard yelling in one video of the incident, which captured the license plate number and Department of Transportation number of the truck. "Do something, you f***** pathetic Nazis," another man is heard saying. In a statement, Penske said the incident was "unacceptable" and that the actions had violated its rental agreement. Penske said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Penske Truck rental is aware of an incident involving one of its vehicles yesterday in Springfield, Missouri. This incident is unacceptable. We strongly condemn these individuals and their actions, which violate out rental agreement. Effective immediately, the individual(s) on the rental agreement are banned from future rentals." Patriot Front has not public commented on the ban, but said in a post on Telegram on Saturday: "Deranged and violent homosexual aggressors attempt to silence the lawful speech of the patriotic activists, and target individual members for assault. However, disciplined conduct on the part of the activists and the intervention of other bystanders renders the attacks useless. All are able to depart safely and without incident." Penske's decision could put pressure on other rental companies to review their policies about allowing Patriot Front and other extremist groups to rent trucks, which could affect their ability to organize. Related Articles Kansas, Oklahoma Face Severe Flooding, Drivers Warned of Drowning RiskTornado Warning Issued in Missouri, Millions Told To Seek Immediate ShelterTornado Warning in Effect, Millions in Missouri Urged to Seek Shelter NowAbortion Appointments Suddenly Canceled After Missouri Court Ruling 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Company Bans White Supremacists From Renting Trucks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Penske Truck Rental said on Sunday that it had banned members of the white nationalist hate group Patriot Front from renting its vehicles. The company's decision comes after videos on social media showed masked members of Patriot Front fleeing in one of the company's yellow trucks after being confronted by a group of people in downtown Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday. Newsweek has contacted Penske and the Springfield Police Department for further comment via email. Why It Matters Patriot Front frequently relies on rented trucks to transport members to demonstrations in cities across the country. Penske's response is the first public rebuke by a major company against the group and the decision could affect its ability to rent trucks in the future. The group's protests and public appearances are "typically tightly choreographed and scripted to maximize propaganda value," according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front participate in the 2025 March for Life in Washington D.C. on January 24, 2025. Members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front participate in the 2025 March for Life in Washington D.C. on January 24, 2025. Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Patriot Front said in videos and posts on social media that its members were in downtown Springfield to protest Ozarks Pridefest, which is held annually in the city. But video of the incident shared by Patriot Front on Telegram and others on social media showed several members—dressed in khaki pants and carrying shields—climbing into the Penske truck after being confronted by a group of people angered by their presence. "Run, cowards, run," a man can be heard yelling in one video of the incident, which captured the license plate number and Department of Transportation number of the truck. "Do something, you f***** pathetic Nazis," another man is heard saying. In a statement, Penske said the incident was "unacceptable" and that the actions had violated its rental agreement. What People Are Saying Penske said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Penske Truck rental is aware of an incident involving one of its vehicles yesterday in Springfield, Missouri. This incident is unacceptable. We strongly condemn these individuals and their actions, which violate out rental agreement. Effective immediately, the individual(s) on the rental agreement are banned from future rentals." Patriot Front has not public commented on the ban, but said in a post on Telegram on Saturday: "Deranged and violent homosexual aggressors attempt to silence the lawful speech of the patriotic activists, and target individual members for assault. However, disciplined conduct on the part of the activists and the intervention of other bystanders renders the attacks useless. All are able to depart safely and without incident." What's Next Penske's decision could put pressure on other rental companies to review their policies about allowing Patriot Front and other extremist groups to rent trucks, which could affect their ability to organize.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'We are prepared': SPD ready for possible unrest in Springfield 'No Kings' protest
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — On June 14, there is scheduled to be 'No Kings' protests across every state in the nation. The rallies are to show opposition to President Trump's recent actions and policies. One in Springfield will begin at the Historic Courthouse on 940 N. Boonville Ave at 9:30 a.m. The 'No Kings' protests will eventually join with the Ozarks Pridefest, happening that same day, at 11:30 a.m. While most protests in Springfield have been peaceful in the past, the Springfield Police Department (SPD) ready to respond to any escalation. 'We are aware of the demonstrations in and around the downtown area,' says Cris Swaters, SPD Public Affairs Officer. 'We are prepared, and we are actively monitoring the situation.' SPD will have 'five to six' officers at both the protest and Pridefest to ensure the safety and security of attendees. According to Swaters, the police presence is necessary to keep violence from occurring. 'We are highly trained, and officers are highly capable of handling any incident that may arise with keeping both demonstrators safe and the extended community meetings,' she said. Swaters advises attendees that if they run into any conflict, feel unsafe or see any suspicious behavior to call the police and report the incident. Both 'No Kings' and Ozarks Pridefest have released statements telling people to not engage with any counter protesters or turn to violent behavior. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pickwick Street Fair in Springfield showcases music and art
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Pickwick Street Fair has announced information regarding their event for this year. According to a Pickwick Street Fair press release, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the neighborhood in Rountree on Saturday, June 7. Ozarks Pridefest after-party at Bizarre Bar Gallery & Grill The event will include local artists, craftsmen, musicians and more, the release says. Citizens will be able to see painters, photographers, ceramicists, wood workers and music at the businesses around Pickwick and Cherry in Springfield. For more information on the event, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ozarks Pridefest after-party at Bizarre Bar Gallery & Grill
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Bizarre Bar Gallery & Grill has been named the official after-party location for the Ozarks Pridefest event this year. According to a Bizarre Bar Gallery & Grill press release, the Ozarks Pridefest is on Saturday, June 14 in downtown Springfield. Barry County business damaged after car crash The after-party headquarters for the event is located at the Bizarre Bar this year, the release says. The business says they are celebrating with events all month long at both of their locations. Different events will include Jaymes Mansfield and Lucky Starzzz from RuPaul's Drag Race. There will also be local lineups including Elle SD, Penelope Booze, Miss Gay Springfield 2026 and Arcelle Renee. For more information on the different events, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
