Headlines on extremism and the radical right that caught our
attention.

Friend, 

Every week, we highlight stories on extremism and the radical right
from the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project.
Here are stories that caught our attention over the past week:

Pretrial hearing set for Navy veteran's attempted ramming of FBI
building

* Ervin Lee Bolling, a 48-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, is scheduled
for a bond hearing on April 23 after allegedly attempting to
breach the gate at the FBI's Atlanta headquarters, The
Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported

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. Accused of ramming a Buick Encore into the facility's
final denial barrier, Bolling faces federal charges of
destruction of government property and state charges of
interference with government property. The incident, which
authorities claim caused damage exceeding $1,000, could result
in a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Law enforcement found
Bolling, who has no prior disciplinary military history or
serious civilian legal issues, was carrying his passport when
they took him into custody, the report says.

* Investigations revealed Bolling's online activity linked
to QAnon conspiracy theories

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, according to Wired. Hatewatch has previously examined
extremism among active-duty military and veterans

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.

Transgender student denied entry to prom for wearing dress

* A transgender student in Jackson County, Alabama, was denied
entry to her prom because she was wearing a dress, according

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to local ABC affiliate WAYY 31. Lesa Drake, a parent from
Jackson County, advocated for the transgender student, the
report said. Despite the principal's claim that the
school's handbook prohibited this, Drake found no such
rule upon reviewing the document.

* The incident, recorded by a police officer's body camera,
highlights the challenges faced by transgender students. Drake
emphasized the importance of support for these students, stating
that their expression and visibility are crucial to their
well-being.

* Hatewatch has extensively reported on discrimination that LBGTQ
people face

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.

Anti-vaccine activists hope to take over Florida hospital

* A group of anti-vaccine activists, including the sister of
Michael Flynn, are attempting to gain control of the board of
the Sarasota Memorial Hospital, according to

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The Daily Beast

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. Advocating for "medical freedom," their control
could influence the hospital's policies on vaccinations
and other medical practices. This situation has raised concerns
among local residents and medical professionals.

* Some expressed concern that anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists
may take over hospital boards the same way anti-LGBTQ activists
took over school boards. Hatewatch has reported on these
efforts, including several school board candidates

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supported by anti-LGBTQ hate group Family Watch International

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.

American Library Association: Most books targeted for ban focus on
LGBTQ+, race topics

* The American Library Association (ALA) has expressed concern
over the significant increase in book challenges during 2023,
particularly those targeting LGBTQ and people of color, the
Asbury Park Press

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reported on Tuesday. The number of unique titles challenged
rose by 65%, with public libraries experiencing a 92% increase
over the previous year. "Gender Queer" by Maia
Kobabe was the most challenged book, primarily for LGBTQ
content. The ALA emphasizes the importance of the freedom to
read and highlights the need to protect this right against
censorship efforts

* Hatewatch has analyzed extremist efforts

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to ban books in schools across the U.S.

Read last week's edition here: Extremism Headlines: Uganda
anti-LGBTQ law, Eastman disbarred, Politician claimed 'white
genocide'

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Sincerely,

Your friends at the Southern Poverty Law Center

The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond,
working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy,
strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of
all people.

Friend, will you make a gift to help the SPLC fight for
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