The Proud Americans Patriot Network (PAPN) presents as a mundane conservative nonprofit with 501c4 registration. But its digital history ties it to the the Three Percenters movement and unlawful militias online. From @jaredlholt 🧵👇: medium.com/dfrlab/pennsyl…
At first glance, the PAPN seems like any other conservative advocacy organization centered on religious freedom, private property rights, and #2A. They solicit financial sponsorship, have a scholarship essay contest, and endorse local candidates.
However, a closer look at the group turned up clear links to the Three Percenter anti-government movement and found supporters attempting to recruit militia supporters nationwide. At one point, the group was selling several items with Three Percenter logos.
In the wake of #January6, federal prosecutors charged several individuals associated with the Three Percenters and other militias, including a group of six for conspiracy. Earlier this year, Canada labeled the the militia as a terrorist entity.
Posts found linking back to the PAPN were found on MyMilitia, a militia recruiting forum. A user named CPT SeaDog posted a link to the PAPN and stated the group was, "trying to get away from the stigma associated with the term 'militia' although that is exactly what we are.” 
Documents found on document-hosting site Flipsnack linked to PAPN's leadership and revealed the group's ambitions to grow nationwide. Documents include the PAPN’s bylaws and list out its goals including fostering a “combat ready unit.”
Though the PAPN has limited online presence, it has used its voice to support popular conservative efforts including opposition to #COVID19 public health measures, teaching race relations in school, and so on.
After @DFRLab started investigating, PAPN faced scrutiny in its community, raising concerns of potential paramilitary presence at local protests. PAPN has since attempted to revise its public image by quietly editing bylaws, de-listing web pages, and disavowing Three Percenters.
Read the rest of @jaredlholt’s reporting on the Proud American Patriot Network and the its founders here: medium.com/dfrlab/pennsyl…
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