Story perspectives

White Nationalist Conference Sparks Outrage and Protests in Tennessee

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The American Renaissance Conference in Burns, Tennessee, drew scrutiny over attendees linked to white nationalist and violent ideologies.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates observed participants such as Richard Spencer, a neo-Nazi, and Thomas Rousseau, leader of Patriot Front.
Eric Orwoll, an attendee who advocates for a whites-only community, and Greg Johnson, who has previously praised violent acts, were identified.
Protesters outside the venue expressed concerns about the group's extremist views.

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Story summary

The American Renaissance Conference in Burns, Tennessee, drew scrutiny over attendees linked to white nationalist and violent ideologies.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates observed participants such as Richard Spencer, a neo-Nazi, and Thomas Rousseau, leader of Patriot Front.
Eric Orwoll, an attendee who advocates for a whites-only community, and Greg Johnson, who has previously praised violent acts, were identified.
Protesters outside the venue expressed concerns about the group's extremist views.