Man linked to white supremacist movement charged in fire at Tennessee social justice center

Apnews - Apr 30th, 2025
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Regan Prater, linked to white supremacist movements, has been arrested for the 2019 arson at the Highlander Research and Education Center in Tennessee. The fire, which destroyed a significant portion of the center's office, was reportedly set using a 'sparkler bomb and some Napalm,' as described by Prater in group chats. The blaze obliterated irreplaceable civil rights-era documents, and a white-power symbol was found at the scene, linking it to other hate crimes. Prater had previously been sentenced for another arson incident in East Tennessee. His current arrest brings a measure of closure to a yearslong investigation that has weighed heavily on the center's leaders.

The Highlander Center, an influential institution in the civil rights movement, has trained key figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. The attack on Highlander, which was founded as a place for union organizing and civil rights activism, is viewed as part of a broader trend of hate crimes and white nationalism. Despite the devastation, Highlander's leaders remain resilient, emphasizing their continued commitment to social justice. The significance of this arrest extends beyond the center, highlighting ongoing concerns about racial violence and the need for vigilance and protective measures for social justice organizations.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and largely accurate account of the arson at the Highlander Research and Education Center, highlighting its historical significance and the implications of white supremacist activities. The story is timely and of public interest, effectively engaging readers through its clear narrative and connection to broader societal issues. While the article is supported by credible sources and presents a balanced view, it could benefit from greater transparency regarding the investigation's timeline and additional perspectives from law enforcement. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about a significant event with contemporary relevance, while also sparking potential discussions about hate crimes and historical preservation.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, with most claims supported by external sources or verifiable through official documents. The arrest of Regan Prater and his connection to white supremacist movements are well-documented in the affidavit and corroborated by multiple news sources. The description of the fire at the Highlander Research and Education Center and the use of a 'triple cross' symbol align with documented evidence from the Christchurch shooting incident. However, the story's claim about the delayed updates from authorities and the eventual hate-crime classification lacks direct citation from official statements, which slightly affects its precision. Overall, the factual foundation is strong, but some claims need further verification to ensure complete accuracy.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from multiple stakeholders, such as Highlander leaders and the historical context of the center's significance. However, it primarily focuses on the narrative of the arson and its implications, potentially underrepresenting the broader societal impact of white supremacist activities. The absence of comments from law enforcement or Prater's defense introduces a slight imbalance, as it limits the reader's understanding of the investigation's scope and Prater's stance. Including these perspectives would enhance the article's balance by providing a more comprehensive view of the situation.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language that effectively conveys the complex narrative. The chronological presentation of events and the inclusion of historical context aid in understanding the significance of the Highlander Center and the impact of the arson. The tone remains neutral and factual, avoiding sensationalism. However, occasional references to procedural elements, such as the freestar queue functions, could be omitted to maintain focus and clarity. Overall, the article is highly readable and logically organized, making it accessible to a broad audience.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as federal affidavits and statements from Highlander leaders, which enhances its reliability. The use of historical context and references to prominent civil rights figures adds depth to the narrative. However, the lack of direct quotes or responses from law enforcement or Prater's legal representation slightly diminishes the source quality. Including a broader range of authoritative voices, particularly from official agencies, would strengthen the article's credibility and provide a more rounded perspective on the events described.

6
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable amount of context regarding the events and their historical significance, but it lacks detailed transparency about the sources of some claims, particularly the investigation's timeline and the hate-crime classification. The story would benefit from clearer attribution of information, such as direct quotes from official documents or statements from authorities, to enhance transparency. Additionally, explaining the methodology behind certain claims, like the identification of 'Rooster' as Prater, would provide readers with a better understanding of the evidence backing these assertions.

Sources

  1. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/feds-charge-alleged-white-supremacist-2019-arson-tennessee-121332912
  2. https://www.wbir.com/video/news/crime/man-arrested-for-2019-fire-at-highlander-research-and-education-center-in-new-market/51-c45ce5a0-9b04-4b11-975d-f5f7f5c19ffb
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHRH3l4fUcc
  4. https://www.wbir.com/video/news/crime/feds-charge-alleged-white-supremacist-over-2019-arson-at-highlander-center/51-9ec37ae1-159a-4bde-95b5-f762b3f1d200
  5. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/30/alleged-white-supremacist-charged-feds-2019-fire-tennessee-school/