SPLCenter.org: Neo-Nazi Skinheads

A landmark neo-Nazi Skinhead summit attended by the leaders of more than a dozen Skinhead gangs from at least eight different states took place Oct. 22 in Ohio. Dubbed "The Blood and Honour Council," the summit represented the first unified attempt to challenge the authority of the Hammerskins (HS), a nationwide Skinhead syndicate that has asserted dominion over U.S. skins since 1988. The council was organized and hosted by former Hammerskin Brien James, founder of the Vinlander Social Club, a regional Skinhead group, and by Ohio State Skinheads leaders Eric Fairburn and Kevin Kislingbury. It was held on Kislingbury's property in Logan, Ohio, according to law enforcement sources. By calling the council without prior Hammerskin approval and then publicly inviting HS leaders to attend and guaranteeing their safety, the Blood and Honour organizers broadcast the message that Hammerskins are no longer the unchallenged bosses of the Skinhead scene. Not surprisingly, its leaders boycotted the event. Leaders of the Portland, Ore.-based Skinhead gang Volksfront, which is closely aligned with the Hammerskins, also refused to attend. Besides Skinhead gang leaders, the Blood and Honour Council consisted of representatives from several hate rock music companies as well as the neo-Nazi National Alliance and the Imperial Klans of America. According to minutes distributed online, the Skinhead leaders forged a precedent-setting bond with the National Alliance.