Domestic Terrorist Suspect’s Mother Thought Son’s Rally ‘Had Something to do with Trump’

“I Try to Stay Out of His Political Views”

The mother of suspected domestic terrorist James Fields Jr., charged with plowing into counter-protesters yesterday in Charlottesville, Virginia, believed her son’s white supremacist rally “had something to do with Trump.” 

James Fields Jr., an Ohio resident, was taken into custody shortly after he allegedly drove a car through anti-racism protestors, leaving one dead and injuring 19 others. The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Heather Heyer, a local paralegal.

The Anti-Defamation League posted a photo of a man who appears to be Fields Jr., brandishing a shield at yesterday’s rally. The shield was distributed by fascist group Vanguard America:

Following her son’s arrest, Fields’ mother spoke with the Toledo Blade, acknowledging that her son had attended the rally in Virginia. She noted that he had texted her the day prior to advise he’d “dropped his cat off” at her apartment so that he could attend an “alt-right” rally.

“I told him to be careful,” Samantha Bloom told the newspaper. “[And] if they’re going to rally to make sure he’s doing it peacefully.”

Bloom told reporters amidst tears that it didn’t appear to have been a peaceful rally, and that her son hadn’t offered her details about the extremist nature of his activities. “I thought it had something to do with Trump,” she said.

“I try to stay out of his political views,” Bloom continued. “I don’t get too involved.” According to public records reviewed by The Daily Beast, Fields Jr. was registered as a Republican in 2016.

Last night, the Justice Department opened a federal investigation into yesterday’s events in Charlottesville. Fields Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and failing to stop at a fatal accident.

To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.