Tattoo Symbolism and Controversy:
The Three Percenter tattoo features three Roman numerals, and a circle of stars encloses me. This tattoo represents the Three Percenters, an anti-government extremist group associated with white supremacy. South Bend police officers are prohibited from having Tattoos indicating gang, supremacist, or extremist group membership. However, enforcement of these policies can be challenging if officers need to be made aware of the significance of specific designs.
Justin Rohrwasser’s Controversial Tattoo:
Justin Rohrwasser, a Patriots kicker selected from Marshall, garnered attention for his arm tattoo depicting the Three Percenters militia group. The group is known for associating with white supremacists and white nationalist ideology. Rohrwasser promised to cover up the tattoo, and according to reports, he has already begun the process.
Three Percenters and their Symbolism:
The Three Percenters are an anti-government extremist group who believe that three percent of Americans participated in the Revolutionary War. The tattoo has 13 stars surrounding the Roman numeral III, symbolizing “three.” Organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-Defamation League consider them extremist organizations.
Debate on Offensive Symbols and Policy Enforcement:
A tattoo worn by a South Bend police officer has sparked a debate on what constitutes offensive symbols and the enforcement of city policy. City ordinance prohibits Tattoos that promote sexual, religious, or political extremes. However, the officer’s tattoo, symbolizing a militia group, raises policy interpretation and enforcement questions.
Three Percenters Movement:
The Three Percenters movement began in 2008, inspired by the belief that only three percent of colonists fought in the American Revolution against King George III. They advocate for gun rights and small government but have been linked with domestic terrorism and racist views. Their symbol, the Roman numeral III surrounded by 13 stars, has become widely adopted across various media channels.
Symbolizing White Supremacy:
While denying white supremacist ideology, the Three Percenters have been associated with white supremacy events and extremist views. Their hostility towards Muslims and immigrants has raised concerns among public figures. South Bend Mayor James Mueller has changed his thoughts on the group and prohibits police officers from displaying Tattoos with “gang, supremacist, or other extremist group affiliation.”
Anti-Government Extremism:
The Three Percenters are widely recognized as symbolizing anti-government extremism. They believe a small band of “modern patriots” can rid the government of its perceived oppression. While supporting the Second Amendment and American culture, their beliefs have been linked to violence and the storming of the US Capitol.
Suspicion of Epidemics and Pandemics:
Three Percenters tend to be wary of epidemics and pandemics, suspecting that the government would use them as an opportunity to suspend the Constitution and declare martial law. This suspicion makes them targets for federal investigations, particularly during COVID-19 outbreaks.
