The account of a terrorism attempt in Garden City by a group of white supremacists who wanted to blow up apartments where Somalis lived with their families. The Somalis had moved to the Kansas communities in order to work in the meat packing industry. Fueled with hate and fear, a small group of men attempted what could have been a disaster killing many.

The story centers around one man who worked as an undercover mole into the group urged on by the FBI. ( )

White Hot Hate by Dick Lehr is a fascinating yet disturbing look at the ever growing presence of domestic terrorism through the lens of one foiled plot of mass murder and destruction.

One of the strengths of the book for me was the way Lehr introduced us to the various people, especially the citizen who served as an informant, but also the other would-be terrorists and some of those who were their intended victims. Once this foundation is established we move into the planning and almost endless meetings. While some may find this section repetitive or unnecessary it serves several functions. One is that it eliminates those who side with the terrorists from claiming that things were omitted that might have shown them in a better light. Second, it highlights that this was not a quick, almost spur of the moment thing that these people came up with in a moment of anger (aside from the fact these types of people are so full of hate that they are always angry). Third, I think that looking at how this particular group of guys went about planning their attack might register with a reader about an acquaintance or family member's recent activities that could be for similar reasons Hopefully if that happens the reader will intervene in some way, both for the sake of the intended victims and their friend or family member. Finally, seeing and hearing the extent and depth of hatred that drives people like this offers some insight into how we might be able to change the course of someone we know who is becoming radicalized under the guise of patriotism.

I wasn't bothered by the brief recap of the trial and sentencing, this was about, for me, the attempted crime, not the courtroom aspects. If you read true crime for the courtroom scenes and not the crimes themselves, then you may be a little disappointed.

I would recommend this to both true crime readers as well as those who are curious about the how and why people can be so consumed by hate that they will throw reason out the window and believe total nonsense.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )

I have an alternative title for this book. "Morons in Motion". It's the story of three guys (the morons), who are infected with an incredible hatred of people who are not like them. In this case, the Somali residents of a small Kansas town. They band together and join a local "militia" group. Together the three wind themselves up, reinforcing each others prejudices and hatreds, until they decide that, in the name of "patriotism" something has to be done. They decide what better way to become famous (infamous?) than to use a bomb to blow up Somali men, women, and children.
The book is told through the use of an undercover citizen who infiltrates the Morons and keeps the FBI abreast of their plans. Thank goodness for this citizen, or else who knows what may have happened.
The planning of the Morons would be comical, if it was not so dangerous. Talk about leaving a trail of bread crumbs to be followed, these guys couldn't hide their intentions at all.
The book leads one to ponder on the "militias" currently operating in the United States. To me, it seems to be a bunch of unhappy white guys, disappointed that they have not "made it big". Rather than try to improve themselves through education, work, etc., they decide it is much easier to blame "others" for their plight. The "others" being blacks, latinos, any foreigners, bankers, educated people, or basically anyone not like them. I guess these people have always been amongst us, take Archie Bunker for one. The difference today is that they have social media to connect with each other, and to ramp up and reinforce their prejudices. It's frightening, the collective power they develop amongst themselves. All under the guise of patriotism and freedom.
We have been fortunate that most of these groups are incompetent, and can't seem to get out of their own way. We're very fortunate that there are brave citizens, like the main character of this book, to help our law enforcement take these losers down before they act.
I really enjoyed this book. I know these militias are out there, but it was refreshing to read how utterly stupid they can be. Let's hope that continues to be the case. ( )