Short Description
Recent findings reveal Robert "Bobby" Kinch, a former homicide detective and current leader within the Oath Keepers USA, faces scrutiny over extremist connections and past inflammatory statements.
Read Time
5 minutes
Main Article
The Oath Keepers USA, a rightwing militia group with roots tracing back to Stewart Rhodes in 2009, is gaining attention again due to Robert "Bobby" Kinch, a former homicide detective from the Las Vegas police department. Kinch, now based in Duck Creek, Utah, has recently come under scrutiny for his controversial history and continued influence within the Oath Keepers. Reports indicate that even after the January 6 insurrection, the Oath Keepers have quietly expanded their ranks, increasingly including law enforcement officials like Kinch.
Kinch’s past as a police officer is laden with controversy; he left the LVMPD after advocating for a “race war” on social media. Internal investigations revealed disturbing posts, including inflammatory calls for a civil revolution. Despite these serious allegations, the police department allowed him to continue serving, only reprimanding him lightly for his actions. This history raises alarm bells about the presence of extremist views within police forces across the United States, highlighting the ongoing concerns of law enforcement officers being affiliated with extremist groups.
Recent evidence gathered by an undercover infiltrator offers a glimpse inside the Oath Keepers USA. The infiltrator, who spent years engaging with various militia groups, uncovered materials revealing Kinch’s involvement and intent. These included photographs of his home stocked with tactical gear, firearms, and Oath Keepers membership certificates bearing his name. Kinch is linked to Northbridge Patriots LLC, a company that has held the trademarks for the Oath Keepers USA since mid-2023. This only intensifies concerns about the group’s intent and activities in light of a potential return to power for Donald Trump.
Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), emphasizes the need for police departments to address the presence of extremists like Kinch within their ranks. Beirich argues that associations with seditious groups should disqualify individuals from serving in law enforcement. As the political landscape shifts, the Oath Keepers, under leaders like Kinch, may once again seek to amplify their voice, posing a significant challenge for community safety and civil order.
Short Summary
Robert "Bobby" Kinch’s rise within the Oath Keepers USA, coupled with his controversial past as a LVMPD detective, highlights the ongoing threat extremist groups pose within law enforcement. Continued vigilance is required to address these connections and safeguard community integrity.
