In our modern times, it may not be surprising to see white nationalists making the news and spreading hatred through major cities. What is surprising, though, is so few major businesses speaking out against these absolute garbage actions. One woman from Ohio took to TikTok when she noticed U-Haul trucks being used during a white nationalist march. Stranger still, it was in Missouri, but she may be putting the blame on the wrong people in this scenario.
Last weekend, a group of Patriot Front white nationalist members participated in a March in Kansas City, Missouri. Videos circulated the internet showing the members getting out of U-Haul trucks, on to spread their hateful ideas. One woman, Alyssa (@alyssas_world on TikTok) made a video in response to what she saw, saying, “UHaul has been complicit in YT supremacy for a while.”
Alyssa goes on to say she knows instances of U-Haul trucks were used in the past by white supremacist groups. She even referred to specific coverage showing rallies and marches where U-Haul trucks can be seen in transport.
Though U-Haul has been repeatedly called out in the past regarding these events. They have not said much on the matter aside from the fact they don’t control how trucks are used. Now, however, they are speaking out on these matters.
Jeff Lockridge, a company spokesperson for U-Haul, has said in a statement, “Action was taken immediately by our teams on Saturday, May 24,” in reference to the recent white nationalist march. He went on to say, “Once we received license plate numbers and confirmation that our equipment had been misused, the customers on the contracts were banned from doing business with us.”
According to Lockridge, rental contract was breached when they decided to transport people inside the cargo area. That’s not permitted by the company. He also stated, “Of course, we do not support this group and what they represent. We have no desire to be affiliated with them in any way.”
Still, some viewers of Alyssa’s TikTok video believe U-Haul is overly complicit in allowing white supremacists to use their vehicles. One person commented, “Period!! I’m like how has this been going on for years?! U-Haul is not innocent.”
However, others see it in a different light. One user commented. “I understand your rage, but there is no way they can know” while another said, “They rent to anyone. All they want is money.” Other users have shared their opinions on U-Haul not treating employees right or renting out trucks with known issues.
When a white supremacist group makes the decision to create chaos and spread hatred in a city, they will find a way, even if it means going the route of U-Haul. Unfortunately, this is something we will probably see more of in the future, but as it stands, there is no way for the company to predict what its trucks will be used for at this time.
