The recent demonstrations in Charlottesville, Va., have focused the public eye on white supremacists and other similar “hate” groups. Activities and the whereabouts of several such groups are closely monitored by the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala. A map on the SPLC website indicates 917 hate groups in the United States, but only one location in North Dakota

According to the SPLC, a chapter of the American Freedom Party, which the agency considers to be the most serious nationalist organization in the U.S., exists in Grand Forks. The leader is said to be a former personal assistant of Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

How many members of the American Freedom Party are enrolled in the Grand Forks chapter is unknown, but it is believed to be very few. Lt. Derick Zimmel, Grand Forks Police, says he has not encountered any problems associated with the American Freedom Party or any other hate groups in the Grand Forks area.

“Nothing prominent right now that I’m aware of,” said Zimmel. “I have not seen any indicators. There’s been various items of protest around here but that has not brought them out.”

In Minot, a church was vandalized several weeks ago. The crime included the painting of a swastika. However, there has been no indication that the work was done by an organized hate group.

“Not that I am aware of,” said Capt. John Klug, Minot Police Department.

Perhaps the best known white supremacist to cause a disturbance in North Dakota is Craig Cobb. Cobb, often referred to as a white supremacist, white nationalist or Neo-Nazi, attempted to purchase lots in 2012 in the small community of Leith in the hopes of setting up a white separatist enclave. He was eventually arrested and charged with terrorizing. Cobb pleaded guilty.

Bismarck and the surrounding area has been the scene of several protests in the past several years, but none representing the likes of white supremacy.

“Absolutely not,” said Sgt. Mark Buschena, Bismarck Police. “There may be some here but there’s been no organized events.”

The state’s largest city, Fargo, has had a number of incidents in the past several years that fall into the category of “hate crimes,” but none that have evolved into major criminal cases. Most are assaults, threats or harassment.