Update: Former National Alliance leader Shaun Walker and two other members of the hate group were convicted on April 20, 2007 in a jury trial on all charges stemming from the 2002 and 2003 racially motivated beatings in Utah.  More>>

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New York, NY, June 9, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the arrests of the national leader of the neo-Nazi National Alliance and two others on charges of committing hate crimes in Utah, saying the indictments "deal another significant blow" to the virulently anti-Semitic and racist group, which could once lay claim to being one of the largest and most organized hate groups in America.

A federal indictment issued by a grand jury in Salt Lake City has charged Shaun Walker, the head of the West Virginia-based group, and two other members with conspiracy to interfere with civil rights and interference with a federally protected activity.  Walker, 38, of Hillsboro, West Virginia, was the successor to William Pierce, the NA's founder and longtime leader who died in 2002.  Walker was arrested yesterday at the NA compound in West Virginia and will be arraigned in Salt Lake City.

"These arrests deal another significant blow to the leadership of the National Alliance, which has been wracked by infighting and disorganization since the death of William Pierce in 2002," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "The allegations that Walker was involved in committing assaults on minorities are serious and, if true, demonstrate how the violent racist ideology of the National Alliance not only dehumanizes minorities, but often can lead to acts of violence.

"We applaud law enforcement for pursuing the investigation of these serious allegations involving possible hate crimes carried out by a National Alliance leader," added Mr. Foxman.  "The arrests send a powerful message to the racists and bigots who believe they can get away with targeting minorities for harassment, threats and violence."

Also arrested were Travis D. Massey, 29, of Salt Lake City, who has served as the group's Utah spokesman, and Eric G. Egbert, 21, of Salt Lake City.  The indictment alleges that the three men conspired to intimidate and threaten individuals of minority descent, including a Mexican-American and Native American, between December 2002 and March 2003.

Despite losing hundreds of members in the past few years, the NA, under Walker's leadership, has continued to promote a neo-Nazi ideology and sell white power music to young people through Resistance Records, according to ADL, which monitors and exposes the activities of hate groups.  The NA has tried to continue William Pierce's racist and anti-Semitic legacy, which included the creation of The Turner Diaries, a book that influenced Timothy McVeigh in the Oklahoma City bombing, as well as numerous white supremacists who committed violent acts.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.