In Los Angeles, a local Ralph's grocery store has been targeted by violent and racist anti-vaxxers, led by far-right organizer Shiva Bagheri. After Shiva was removed by security at a previous anti-vaxxer tantrum at the store, rabid supporters in the "ANTIMASKERSCLUB" Telegram chatroom are alleging she was assaulted and are calling for the security guard in question to be shot and lynched. The guard, who is Black, is also referred to by the anti-vaxxers with an anti-Black slur. Ralph’s management have been informed of this threat. “ANTIMASKERSCLUB” is run by Ethan Schmidt-Crockett, who has ties to Greyson Arnold, a Nazi supporter who rallies with Los Angeles anti-vaxxers, as reported by CNN.
Ethan is known for harassing cancer patients over mask requirements, and so is Shiva, who even assaulted a breast cancer patient after holding an anti-mask rally at the Cedars Sinai’s cancer clinic.
According to Chad Loder, who researchers far-right extremism online, they plan on going to the grocery store in question tomorrow, January 26.
While some called for LAPD to police the store heavily in anticipation, online activists noted that LAPD officers have been taking an anti-vaxxer stance themselves. LAPD officer Michael McMahon, who founded a group of LAPD anti-vaxxers, headlined a recent Santa Monica rally alongside a Capitol rioter who was raided by the FBI.
Additionally, with so many LAPD officers pushing back against vaccine and mask requirements, countless officers are out sick dealing with COVID-19.
But in regards to the anti-vaxxers at Ralph's, who is Shiva Bagheri— the far-right organizer alleging that she was assaulted by Ralph's staff? Shiva is a supporter of the January 6th insurrection and a friend to far-right groups like the Proud Boys. She led the massive Beverly Hills pro-Trump rallies last year that saw waves of right wing violence and hate. The Daily Beast profiled her hateful campaigns last year.
This crew of anti-vaxxers are known to have racist undertones and have even used Nazi imagery in their flyers. Last year, I reported on them screaming the Hitler salute “sieg heil” repeatedly at a restaurant that was requiring vaccination proof. Additionally, they’ve been involved in massive waves of violence that have even caused victims to be hospitalized from injuries.
Los Angeles anti-vaxxers have famously called for violence multiple times. They have even admitted, on camera, that their goal is to make areas in Los Angeles unsafe. Their threats should not be taken lightly nor should they be ignored.
Friday, Jan 28, 2022 · 5:54:16 AM +00:00 · VPSReports
Update:
According to independent journalist Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, the security guard in question no longer works at this grocery store following the incident. This information was divulged by staff during the anti-vaxxer rally.