National BLM org denounces Trump endorsement from BLM RI advocate as publicity stunt

Media branded Mark Fisher a “BLM leader.” The national branch is calling him a phony.

The national Black Lives Matter organization on Thursday condemned a man once associated with a local BLM group after he endorsed Donald Trump.

In a joint statement with the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee – which is fully separate from BLM RI – the two groups accused Mark Fisher of an attention grab.

“This is a publicity stunt,” the statement read. “The right-wing continues to use and amplify fringe Black voices to create an idea of broad support for their corrupt candidates.”

More: Did a Black Lives Matter RI founder endorse Trump? There’s more to the story

Appearance on FOX & Friends as ‘BLM leader’ sparks response

The drama began earlier this week when Fisher appeared on “FOX & Friends,” which billed him a “BLM leader.” (He founded an organization called BLM Inc. in Maryland, but Gary Dantzler is the president of BLM RI.)

During his interview, Fisher expressed support for Trump and accused Democrats of pushing racist policies. The host described Fisher as a founder of BLM RI, which Dantzler denies. Registration documents with the state and the IRS paint a murky picture of the group’s initial structure.

“Continuing to call Mark Fisher a Black Lives Matter leader is disingenuous and inappropriate,” BLM and the PAC said. “Both the founder of BLM Rhode Island and BLM Rhode Island PAC have denounced Mark and have made it clear that he is an imposter.”

The groups went on to criticize Trump as guilty of treason and racism.

Trump ‘honored’ to have his support

On Wednesday, Trump himself jumped in on the frenzy, stating on his alternative social media platform Truth Social that he talked with Fisher and is “very honored to have his and BLM’s support.” (The national BLM has made clear it does not support Trump.)

The same day, the PAC released a statement on its own, telling the public that Fisher has nothing to do with its group. The PAC remains a distinctly different organization from BLM RI, which does not have a very overt presence in the state. Tensions have also simmered between the groups, which have different membership.