Christopher Cantwell, infamously known as the “Crying Nazi,” has once again found himself entangled in legal trouble. The white supremacist, who gained notoriety for his participation in the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, is now facing a felony strangulation charge.
The arrest took place in Manchester, New Hampshire, where Cantwell has been residing since his release from federal prison in December 2022. In addition to the felony charge, he is also facing misdemeanor charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. This latest development continues Cantwell’s history of legal battles and violent incidents.
Christopher Cantwell became a widely recognized figure in far-right extremist circles due to his involvement in the Charlottesville rally. The rally, which saw white supremacists marching through the University of Virginia campus with tiki torches, was a flashpoint in modern American history.
The infamous chant, “Jews will not replace us,” and the subsequent violence that led to the death of counterprotester Heather Heyer brought widespread condemnation. Cantwell’s role in the rally and his subsequent actions have made him a notorious figure, leading to multiple legal entanglements over the years.
A History of Extremism and Violence
Christopher Cantwell’s radicalization and public persona have been defined by his extremist beliefs and violent rhetoric. Originally from Long Island, New York, Cantwell has long been associated with white nationalist ideologies and has actively promoted violent insurrectionist sentiments. His early years saw him advocating for libertarianism before he drifted into far-right extremism, embracing neo-Nazi ideology.
He became infamous for his participation in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, where he was seen as one of the most vocal and aggressive participants.
Following the rally, he was charged with illegal use of tear gas after he pepper-sprayed counterprotesters. His infamous “Crying Nazi” moniker was earned when he posted a tearful video online after learning that a warrant had been issued for his arrest in connection with the rally.
Cantwell’s extremist activities did not stop with Charlottesville. In 2019, he was convicted on federal extortion charges after he threatened and harassed a fellow white supremacist during an internal dispute within far-right circles.
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His conviction resulted in a 41-month prison sentence, from which he was released in December 2022. Even after his release, Cantwell has remained an active figure within extremist networks, continuing to espouse his violent ideology.
The Strangulation Charge and Cantwell’s Defense
The latest charges against Christopher Cantwell stem from an altercation at his residence in a Manchester, New Hampshire, rooming house. Authorities arrested him in the early hours of Sunday morning, charging him with felony strangulation, simple assault, and criminal mischief. If convicted, the felony charge alone carries a prison sentence of up to seven years.
Cantwell, however, has strongly denied the allegations. Speaking to The Independent, he insisted that the accusations were “complete BS” and claimed that he did not strangle anyone. ‘
Crying Nazi, Christopher Cantwell is back in jail. pic.twitter.com/qV6YTRmKPH
— conspiRETARD (@Conspiretard) March 4, 2025
According to his version of events, the alleged victim entered his room without permission and refused to leave despite repeated commands. Cantwell asserts that he used only the necessary amount of force to remove the individual and that he was merely defending his personal space.
New Hampshire law defines strangulation as “the application of pressure to another person’s throat or neck, or the blocking of the person’s nose or mouth, that causes the person to experience impeded breathing or blood circulation or a change in voice.”
Prosecutors will need to prove that Cantwell’s actions met this legal standard in order to secure a conviction. Given his history of violent behavior and confrontations, the case could prove to be another significant legal battle for the disgraced extremist.
Cantwell’s Legacy of Playing the Victim
One of the consistent themes in Christopher Cantwell’s legal troubles is his tendency to portray himself as a victim, despite his clear record of aggression and extremism.
Activist and data scientist Emily Gorcenski, who was attacked by Unite the Right protesters, has been tracking Cantwell and other white supremacists for years. She pointed out that Cantwell has a history of violent behavior, yet always seeks to frame himself as the real victim.
Gorcenski, who was assaulted with pepper spray by Cantwell at the Charlottesville rally, remarked that he has repeatedly denied responsibility for his actions. Whether it was his conviction for extortion, his involvement in the violent conspiracy in Charlottesville, or his numerous public threats, Cantwell has consistently tried to deflect blame onto others.
His latest legal troubles appear to follow the same pattern, as he insists that he was merely defending himself and that the charges against him are exaggerated.
Cantwell’s extremist ideology has also played a role in his legal entanglements. Over the years, he has openly called for violent actions against political opponents, advocating for the overthrow of the U.S. government and the forced removal of those he deems “undesirable.”
His rhetoric, filled with calls for white supremacy and racial violence, has made him a dangerous figure in extremist circles. His latest arrest only adds to his already extensive rap sheet, reinforcing his status as a repeat offender.
Despite his claims of victimhood, Cantwell’s past actions paint a clear picture of a man deeply entrenched in violent extremism. His continued involvement in criminal activities suggests that his time in prison did little to reform him. As he faces yet another legal battle, it remains to be seen whether the justice system will impose stricter consequences on him this time around.
Christopher Cantwell’s case serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing threat posed by white supremacist extremists in the United States. While he may claim innocence in his latest arrest, his history of violence and extremist advocacy makes his defense difficult to believe. Whether he is ultimately convicted or not, Cantwell’s actions continue to exemplify the dangers of far-right extremism in America today.
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