Face of Hate: Curtis Allgier Explained
When neo-Nazi Curtis Allgier allegedly shot and killed a corrections officer who was transporting Allgier to a hospital in Salt Lake City June 25, media accounts of the murder invariably focused on the 27-year-old skinhead鈥檚 most recent mug shot, showing Allgier鈥檚 totally tattoo-covered face. As his wife put it, Allgier had the 鈥渃ourage to put his beliefs on his entire body.鈥�
Here鈥檚 an explanation of the meaning behind some the arcane symbols inked on the alleged cop-killer鈥檚 visage:
Crucified Skinhead (right cheek) 鈥撯�� The image of a skinhead on a cross symbolizes the persecution of working-class skinheads by the upper class.
Three Intersecting Triangles (right jaw) 鈥撯�� This symbol is known as a valknut or volknut. Among non-racist pagans, it's a sign of the afterlife and a binding of the soul to Odin, chief among the Norse gods. Among racist pagans, it signifies 鈥渢hat one is ready to be taken into the ranks of Odin鈥檚 chosen warriors.鈥�
5150 (under the right eye) 鈥撯�� A likely reference to the California statute that allows people to be involuntarily committed to a mental hospital if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, according to Mark Pitcavage of the Anti-Defamation League.
Hatebreed (upper lip) 鈥撯�� Hatebreed is a hardcore punk band popular among racist skinheads.
Iron Crosses (forehead temples) 鈥撯�� A German military decoration dating to the early 19th century that was made famous by the Nazis.
SS Lightning Bolts (jawbones) 鈥撯�� A symbol of the Schutzstaffel (鈥淧rotective Squadron鈥�), or SS, the Nazi police force that administered the death camps and staffed the mobile killing units known as Einsatzgruppen. After the war, the entire SS was declared a criminal organization by the Nuremburg judges.
Blood, Honor, and Loyalty (collarbone) 鈥撯�� A phrase used heavily by racist skinheads and other neo-Nazis in rock lyrics, clothing and tattoos.
