Robert Jay Mathews, American militant, founded The Order (d. 1984)

Robert Jay Mathews (born January 16, 1953, died December 8, 1984) was a profoundly influential and controversial figure in American extremist movements, recognized primarily as a neo-Nazi activist and the founder and leader of The Order, also known as Brüder Schweigen. This American white supremacist militant group aimed to overthrow the United States government and establish a white ethnostate.

The Order, under Mathews' leadership, engaged in a series of violent and financially motivated crimes across the United States during the early 1980s. Their criminal enterprise included armored car robberies, which amassed millions of dollars intended to fund their revolutionary agenda, as well as extensive counterfeiting operations. One of the most notorious acts attributed to the group was the assassination of Denver radio talk show host Alan Berg, who was Jewish, in June 1984. This targeted murder underscored the group's violent ideology and deep-seated hatred.

Mathews' reign as the leader of The Order ended dramatically and fatally on December 8, 1984. His secluded cabin on Whidbey Island, near Freeland, Washington, became the scene of a massive federal law enforcement operation. Approximately 75 federal agents, drawn from various agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service, surrounded his residence. After a tense, hours-long standoff that involved an intense exchange of gunfire, Mathews perished in a fire that engulfed the cabin, having refused to surrender to the authorities. His death marked a significant victory for federal efforts against domestic terrorism and white supremacist organizations.

Despite his relatively short but impactful life, Robert Jay Mathews' story and the activities of The Order left a disturbing legacy, inspiring the production of two notable films that brought his extremist actions to wider public attention. The 1988 theatrical film Betrayed, starring Debra Winger and Tom Berenger, was loosely based on the events surrounding The Order, exploring themes of undercover infiltration within white supremacist groups. Furthermore, the 1999 television film Brotherhood of Murder (also known as The Antiterrorist) provided another dramatization of Mathews' life and the criminal exploits of his militant organization, further cementing his place in the annals of American extremist history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Jay Mathews and The Order

What was Robert Jay Mathews known for?

Robert Jay Mathews was known as an American neo-Nazi activist and the founder and leader of The Order (Brüder Schweigen), a white supremacist militant group responsible for various crimes, including armored car robberies and murder.

What was The Order (Brüder Schweigen)?

The Order, or Brüder Schweigen, was an American white supremacist militant group led by Robert Jay Mathews. Active in the early 1980s, the group sought to establish an all-white nation in the United States and engaged in criminal activities to fund their extremist goals.

How did Robert Jay Mathews die?

Robert Jay Mathews died on December 8, 1984, during a shootout and fire at his cabin on Whidbey Island, Washington. He was surrounded by approximately 75 federal law enforcement agents and refused to surrender, perishing in the ensuing blaze.

What specific crimes were attributed to The Order?

The Order was responsible for a series of armored car robberies, counterfeiting operations, and the high-profile assassination of Jewish radio talk show host Alan Berg in June 1984.

What films were inspired by Robert Jay Mathews' life?

Robert Jay Mathews' life and the activities of The Order inspired the 1988 theatrical film Betrayed and the 1999 television film Brotherhood of Murder (also known as The Antiterrorist).