White supremacy group expands across 49 states: Exclusive

One of the nation’s largest white supremacist groups is rapidly expanding, adding hundreds of members across 49 states in the past two years.

The latest: Internal documents leaked to USA TODAY show a coordinated recruitment push fueled by step-by-step manuals and a network of fight clubs where members meet and sign up new recruits.

What it means: The files, provided by a source inside Patriot Front, offer a rare look at the group’s inner workings as it accelerates its growth. Known for its highly choreographed rallies – rows of identically dressed men in blue shirts, chinos and white face coverings carrying American flags – the group has used disciplined optics to amplify its reach and visibility nationwide.

Read what a USA TODAY analysis of the group's 72-page member roster and other obtained documents revealed.

Reporter Will Carless covers extremism and emerging issues for USA TODAY and he's the host of Extremely Normal, a documentary series that explores how once-fringe ideas are entering the mainstream.