Alleged White Supremacist Pleads Guilty in Arson Attack on Historic Civil Rights Center

Regan Prater admitted to setting fire that destroyed the Highlander Research and Education Center in Tennessee.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted metal object, conceptually representing the destruction caused by the arson attack on the Highlander Center, a historic civil rights organization.The aftermath of a devastating arson attack exposes the ongoing threat of white supremacist violence targeting institutions that promote racial equality.New Market Today

A man with ties to white supremacist groups has pleaded guilty to setting a fire that destroyed the offices of the Highlander Research and Education Center, a historic social justice organization that trained civil rights icons like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. Regan Prater also admitted to attempting to aid the terrorist group Hezbollah.

Why it matters

The Highlander Center has played a crucial role in the American civil rights movement, hosting and training many of its most prominent leaders. The arson attack represents a disturbing escalation of extremist violence targeting institutions that promote racial equality and social justice.

The details

Prater pleaded guilty to arson and attempting to aid a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors say he set fire to the Highlander Center in March 2019, causing over $1.2 million in damage. Investigators linked Prater to the crime through his posts in white supremacist online forums, where he allegedly described how he used a "sparkler bomb and some Napalm" to start the blaze. A white power symbol was also found spray-painted near the scene.

  • The fire at the Highlander Center occurred on March 29, 2019.
  • Prater was arrested in connection with the arson in April 2025, over 6 years after the incident.
  • Prater's sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

The players

Regan Prater

A man with ties to white supremacist movements who pleaded guilty to setting fire to the Highlander Research and Education Center and attempting to aid the terrorist group Hezbollah.

Highlander Research and Education Center

A historic social justice organization that hosted and trained many prominent civil rights leaders, including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not admitting anything,”

— Regan Prater

“a sparkler bomb and some Napalm”

— Regan Prater

What’s next

Prater is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2026. The judge will determine the length of his prison sentence.

The takeaway

This attack on the Highlander Center, a revered institution in the civil rights movement, highlights the ongoing threat of white supremacist violence targeting organizations that promote racial equality and social justice. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to combat extremism and protect the legacies of civil rights pioneers.