Paul Miller | |
---|---|
![]() Miller's mugshot, taken March 2, 2021 | |
Born | Paul Nicholas Miller[1] August 11, 1988[2] New York, U.S. |
Other names | |
Occupations |
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Movement |
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Criminal charges | Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon[4] |
Criminal penalty | 41 months' imprisonment and three years' supervised release Released on July 2, 2023 |
Boxing career | |
Statistics | |
Weight(s) | Light heavyweight |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 14 |
Wins | 7 |
Losses | 7 |
Paul Nicholas Miller (born August 11, 1988), better known as GypsyCrusader,[a] is an American white supremacist internet personality.[5] Described as antisemitic and racist by various advocacy groups and the United States Department of Justice,[6][3][7] he frequently broadcasts himself on the internet cosplaying as various contemporary popular culture personas. In June 2021, Miller pleaded guilty to charges related to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, leading to a 41-month-long imprisonment.[6] He is known to have cosplayed as the Joker, the Riddler, Mario,[b] and others while video chatting with strangers on the now defunct website Omegle.[8][9][10] He is known for his advocacy for a race war, espousing white supremacy[11] and neo-Nazism.[12] He has been tied to multiple alt-right[13][14] and far-right organizations, including the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo movement.[11]
Early life
Paul Nicholas Miller was born in New York on August 11, 1988. His father, Robert "Bob" Miller, is of Roma descent, and his mother, Diana Miller, is Mexican.[13]
Fighting career
Miller began training in Muay Thai in 2008, at the age of 20.[15] He had his first amateur fight in 2008 after only 3 months of training.[15] He trained with the 9 Weapons Muay Thai and later The Institute.[16][17] He became the Regional Light-Heavyweight Champion and the US National Champion in the World Kickboxing Association.[18][19][20] He then became a trainer and coach, including for The Institute.[21]
Views and online activity
Miller identifies as a "radical conservative" and has been known for his openly alt-right political views.[22] He often expresses his hatred towards racial minorities, women and heavily opposes immigration. Miller also calls for a "race war" and is a conspiracy theorist who supports the "Day of the Rope", a white supremacist slogan that references William Luther Pierce's book The Turner Diaries (1978). In the novel, white supremacists take control of California and engage in mass lynchings of anyone perceived as a "race traitor"; these include journalists, politicians, and white people in interracial relationships. The day on which these murders are committed in the novel is referred to as the "Day of the Rope". Many white supremacists and neo-Nazis, including Miller, believe that the "Day of the Rope" will one day become reality.[23]
Minorities
Miller often shows extreme hatred towards Jews and has frequently denied the Holocaust. He has expressed a desire to "gas them" and claims he is "building an army" online with the intent of carrying out his violent ideas. In several videos that he published online, he can be seen posing next to Nazi flags and wearing armor brandishing swastikas.[24]
An open white supremacist, Miller is also known for his hatred of black people. Due to his belief that they should be "sent back to Africa", he has been described as being a white nationalist.[5] He has also used the phrase "only white lives matter" and has antagonized multiple Black Lives Matter protesters at several different protests.[25][26]
George Floyd protests
In 2020, Miller stated that nobody has a right to protest the murder of George Floyd.[27] He was also connected to the Boogaloo movement[28] and allegedly wore a Boogaloo mask during a protest on May 31, 2020.[29][30]
Miller attended a Trump rally and told a black woman with a sign that said "Black Lives Matter" that "only white lives matter" and "Heil Hitler" before calling another black woman a "chimp". Later that day, Miller drove by a Black Lives Matter rally in East Brunswick, New Jersey and yelled "Nigger lives don't matter" several times at protesters.[7]
In 2021, Miller and an unidentified man recorded themselves threatening a black man. Miller told the man to "Get the fuck out of here" and said that he and his friend will "kick [his] ass". He also referred to the man as a "nigger" multiple times and told the man he was in the "wrong neighborhood".[31]
Online activity
Miller is well-known for his online presence. He often dresses up as various different characters and talks to strangers on online chat website Omegle where he discusses his political views with the intent of disturbing or angering whomever he is talking to for shock value.[32] He has streamed content using the platforms DLive, Twitch, bitwave.tv,[33] and reuploaded to BitChute, Internet Archive and his Telegram channel.[34][35][32] He was also active on Telegram where he has over 40,000 followers.[36]
He has been banned on most major social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, DLive,[37] and Facebook.
He has been characterized for his racist remarks and inappropriate behavior online.[38] He is also known for his affiliations with fellow white supremacists and internet personalities like Tor Brookes (better known online as CatboyKami) and Brandon Martinez, although he later had a falling out with Brookes.[32][39]
Legal issues
Assault and drug possession charges
In 2006, at the age of 18, Miller was charged with aggravated assault. He pled guilty and was not sentenced to jail time.[40]
In 2007, Miller was arrested and charged with possession of drugs and intent to sell. He served 180 days in jail and 4 years of probation.[40]
Antifa incident and fallout
On October 12, 2018, Miller was involved in an altercation with Antifa protestors.[41] Miller alleges he was trying to attend a speech given by Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes in order to report on it.[42] The incident took place outside of the Metropolitan Republican Club in New York.[43] Miller also reported that his backpack was stolen during the altercation.[44] The police unsuccessfully searched for the person who stole Miller's backpack.[44] Miller later stated "they tried to kill me" in reference to the altercation and called the attackers "terrorists".[45][46] 20-year old Finbarr Slonim, 20-year old Kai Russo, and 35-year old Caleb Perkins were arrested and charged in connection with the assault.[44]
Following the incident, Miller claimed he had an "awakening" and became "woke".[47] He was allegedly frequently doxxed and bombarded with death threats from people he claims are affiliated with Antifa following their attack on him.[47] He has also claimed that people affiliated with Antifa threatened to burn down his parents' house.[13] His story quickly gained traction on the internet and Miller claims he lost his job and as a result moved to Florida.[47]
2020 FBI visit
On May 21, 2020, FBI agents showed up at Miller's parents' home and tried to reach him. It was revealed that they were sent after him regarding anti-protest statements he had made online and his proposal of an open-carry rally. Once they deemed he was not a threat, no further action was taken.[citation needed]
Atomwaffen Division harassment
In 2021, Miller was targeted by a member of the neo-Nazi organization Atomwaffen Division. It is alleged that Miller was targeted for giving neo-Nazis and white supremacists a "bad rep". The attacker recorded videos threatening Miller that were allegedly taken outside of Miller's home in Florida. He also ordered takeout consistently and had it delivered to Miller's home and DoS attacked Miller so that he couldn't stream. Multiple taxis were also sent to Miller's address to pick him up.[48]
On January 30, police received numerous calls relating to a suspect allegedly breaking into Miller's home although they were unable to locate the suspect upon arriving at the scene. They were continuously called regarding the alleged robbery upon leaving the scene. Miller later chose to leave his complex for a "little while" in hopes of allowing the situation to die down and to protect his neighbors.[48]
2021 FBI raid and firearm charge
On March 2, 2021, Miller was arrested on one charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.[49][50] According to reports, flashbangs went off during a raid of Miller's home in Fort Lauderdale, which took place at around 5 in the morning.[51][52] The arrest stemmed from an incident that took place on January 17, 2018, in which Miller illegally possessed a gun. On February 25, 2021, he was indicted on the January 2018 charge.[53][54][49] His first hearing took place on March 3. He offered up an apology during the hearing saying "I'm really sorry for all of this. I really am." He also told the judge that he has enough money to hire his own attorney and had reportedly reached out to Mark O'Mara, the attorney who worked for George Zimmerman.[55][56] He later hired free speech activist and attorney Norman Kent.[22] On March 10, during his bond trial, he was denied bail and was to remain incarcerated while on trial.[57][58][59] On June 22, 2021, Miller pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm.[60][61] On September 28, Miller was sentenced to 41 months' imprisonment followed by three years' supervised release.[6]
On January 31, 2023, Miller was released from prison on good behavior and with parole.[62] In April 2023, USA Today sent federal prison officials a list of questions about his access to the internet while in federal custody. While in prison, Miller had used the internet to harass people and sell racist paraphernalia. After being informed of this, the Federal Bureau of Prisons determined that this constituted a violation of the terms of his imprisonment.[63] Within days, Miller was sent back to prison. He was released once again on July 2, 2023.
Notes
References
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- ^ "Florida Jail Arrest Records: Paul Miller". florida.arrests.org. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ a b "Interview: Paul Miller". YouTube. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Inmate Detail". apps.sheriff.org. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
- ^ a b Best, Paul (March 3, 2021). "Florida man described as a 'volatile white supremacist-accelerationist' arrested on weapons charges". Fox News. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Florida Man Who Called for Race-Based Civil War Sentenced on Multiple Firearms Offenses". www.justice.gov. September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ a b Idavox (November 21, 2020). "Despondent Violent NJ Nazi Troll Thinks His Death Could Be a 'Sacrifice'". Idavox. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Next on the White Power Chopping Block: Paul "GypsyCrusader" Miller". Idavox. March 3, 2021. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Epperson, Jordan (March 2, 2021). "BREAKING: Controversial Streamer Paul Miller Arrested by FBI in Florida". Breaking911. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Peiser, Jaclyn (June 23, 2021). "He was preparing for 'a coming civil war,' feds say. Now he faces up to 30 years in prison". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
- ^ a b Thalen, Mikael (March 3, 2021). "FBI raids notorious white supremacist live streamer". The Daily Dot. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Infamous Neo-Nazi Figure Sells Merchandise, Solicits Donations on Major Fundraising Platform". SITE Intelligence Group. November 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ a b c Shearn, Ian T. (August 23, 2021). "NJ man's hate-filled rants won him 'alt-right' following". NJ Spotlight News. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
- ^ "White Supremacist, Tracked by COE, Arrested on Weapons Charges in Florida". ADL. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ a b "In the Spotlight: Paul Miller". Wix. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ adrianaabbottvvp (October 21, 2016). "Paul Banasiak Thornton Martial Arts vs Paul Miller The Institute Muay Thai". Boxing Alley. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "Muay Thaimes - The Soul in the Savagery - Part 6". Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "WKA NA Richmond, VA Results March 8-12, 2013". WKA. March 12, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
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- ^ "WKA North American Muay Thai Champion, Paul Miller, will be teaching class EVERY Monday and Thursday 3-6". The Institute. August 13, 2014. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ a b Ariza, Mario (March 5, 2021). "Right-wing 'radical,' arrested in FBI raid, hires free speech attorney Norman Kent". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ "Day of the Rope". Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ "FBI arrests Florida man who expressed desire to 'gas' Jews". JNS.org. March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ "Far-right white supremacist arrested in Florida for weapons charges". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
- ^ "Boogaloo Bum Paul 'GypsyCrusader' Miller Pleads Out to Weapons Possession in Federal Court". Idavox. June 22, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
- ^ "Woman Screams 'No Black Lives Matter' to Black Lives Matter Rally As Related Boogaloo Bum Declares 'They Don't Have A Right To Protest!'". Idavox. June 28, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "NJ Politician Bolts Branch Covidian Rally Amid Hate Group Concerns...That Proved Valid". Idavox. May 27, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "Extremists Weigh in on Nationwide Protests". Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Small But Vocal Array of Right Wing Extremists Appearing at Protests". Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "Video: Proud Boy yells racist slurs, threatens Black man". The Daily Dot. January 22, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Extremist Trolls are Targeting Omegle Users with Virulent Racism, Antisemitism". Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Right Wing Riddler". [bitwave.tv]. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "GypsyCrusader-20210302-bitchute-rip-480p".
- ^ "GypsyCrusader on BitChute". BitChute. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
- ^ "GypsyCrusader News Network". Telegram. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Gypsycrusader · DLive". DLive. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ "New Jersey-Based Neo-Nazi Publishes Video Expressing Readiness for Martyrdom | Far-Right / Far-Left Threat | Articles". ent.siteintelgroup.com. November 16, 2020. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "How An Actual Clown And Canadian Neo-Nazi Troll Are Leading A Harassment Campaign Against Of Hundreds Of People — Including Children". Canadian Anti-Hate Network. January 28, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
- ^ a b "FBI swarms Florida to arrest felon radical". texarkanagazette.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Two members of Proud Boys convicted in New York City brawl with antifa". NBC News. August 19, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ Southall, Ashley; Pager, Tyler (October 14, 2018). "Proud Boys Fight at G.O.P. Club Spurs Calls for Inquiry; Cuomo Blames Trump (Published 2018)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Three more Proud Boys members arrested for violent Manhattan fight". NBC News. October 22, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ a b c Zadrozny, Bradny; Collins, Ben (October 16, 2018). "Far-right group takes victory lap on social media after violence in Manhattan". NBC News.
Finbarr Slonim, 20, Kai Russo, 20, and Caleb Perkins, 35, were arrested and charged in connection with the alleged assault of Paul Miller, a man who was shooting videos of the event outside the club that night according to New York Criminal Court records. [...] before alleging later he had been beaten and had his backpack stolen. The police are still seeking the person who allegedly stole Miller's backpack.
- ^ Zadrozny, Brandy; Collins, Ben (October 15, 2018). "Far-right group takes victory lap on social media after violence in Manhattan". NBC News. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
- ^ "Post-Insurrection Crackdown On Violent Right-Wing Extremists Is Gathering Force". National Memo. March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Gypsy Crusader Origin Story". Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ a b "Atomwaffen Division Splinter Group Targeting Neo-Nazi Troll Paul Miller". Canadian Anti-Hate Network. February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ a b Sommer, Will (March 2, 2021). "Feds Arrest White Supremacist Livestreamer in Dawn Raid, Rattling Supporters". The Daily Beast. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Man With Possible Ties to Proud Boys Arrested After FBI Raids Home in Fort Lauderdale". NBC 6 South Florida. March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Sabovic, Sanela (March 2, 2021). "FBI raid in Fort Lauderdale ends with convicted felon in custody". WPLG. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ "'You Could See The Flash Happening': Man In Custody After FBI Raid At Fort Lauderdale Home". March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Matthews, David (March 3, 2021). "FBI arrests right-wing troll who dressed up like The Joker, made anti-Semitic comments online". nydailynews.com. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Ariza, Mario (March 11, 2021). "Gun suspect in FBI raid promoted race war and 'collapse of America'". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
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- ^ "Fort Lauderdale Man With Possible Ties to Proud Boys Faces Federal Judge". NBC 6 South Florida. March 4, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
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- ^ "'White Supremacist' arrested by FBI must stay in jail until his trial, judge rules". Miami Herald. March 10, 2021.
- ^ "Boogaloo Bum Paul 'GypsyCrusader' Miller Pleads Out to Weapons Possession in Federal Court". Idavox. June 22, 2021.
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- ^ "Paul Miller aka GypsyCrusader, Released From Prison; Terrorgram Collective Warns FBI Informant in North Brunswick, New Jersey, United States". TRAC. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ Carless, Will (May 3, 2023). "How one man pushed harassment 'raids,' sold racist paraphernalia online, while in federal custody". USA Today.