Leo Cullinan, the head of the New Hampshire branch of the neo-Nazi group NSC-131, died of a drug overdose in June 2023, according to his official death certificate. The certificate, obtained by InDepth NH, states that Cullinan, 35, died of an accidental drug overdose at his home in Manchester on June 18. He had a lethal combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system.
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Who was Leo Cullinan?
Leo Cullinan was a controversial figure who had a long and violent criminal history that included drug convictions and assaults. He was the leader of the local chapter of NSC-131, a white supremacist group that stands for Nationalist Social Club. The group posts hateful messages and propaganda on the phone app Telegram.
Cullinan and his group were involved in several incidents that targeted minorities and LGBTQ+ communities in New Hampshire. In 2022, he and another member of NSC-131, Christopher Hood, were charged by Attorney General John Formella with civil rights violations after they allegedly hung a banner from a Route 1 overpass in Portsmouth that said, “Keep New England White”. However, a judge ruled that the demonstration was protected by the First Amendment and the state is now appealing that ruling.
In June 2023, a day before Cullinan’s death, NSC-131 tried to intimidate people at a drag queen event in Concord by gathering outside the Teatotaller Café with masks and chanting bigoted statements and performing the Nazi salut. They took credit for the incident on their Telegram channel.
How did Leo Cullinan die?
The cause of Leo Cullinan’s death was not released until September 2023, when his death certificate was made public by InDepth NH. According to the certificate, Cullinan died of an accidental drug overdose at his home in Manchester on June 18. He had a lethal combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and can cause respiratory depression and death. Methamphetamine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and risk of stroke. The combination of these two drugs can have unpredictable and dangerous effects on the body and brain.
Cullinan had a history of drug abuse and had served jail and prison time over the years on drug-related charges. He was released from Hillsborough County jail in April 2023, but had pending criminal charges against him for allegedly assaulting a corrections officer while incarcerated there.
What was the reaction to Leo Cullinan’s death?
Leo Cullinan’s death was reported by his fellow neo-Nazis on their Telegram channel, where they praised him as “one of the finest New Englanders we’ve ever known” and “a hero of our people”. They also started a fundraiser online for Cullinan’s funeral expenses and to help his wife and children with any expenses they have now. The fundraiser had raised $8,200 as of Friday night
However, Cullinan’s death was also met with relief and condemnation by many people who opposed his hateful ideology and actions. Kristofer Goldsmith, head of the veteran operated anti-fascist group Task Force Butler, said that Cullinan was “a violent criminal who terrorized innocent people” and that his death “is not a tragedy”. Goldsmith also said that he hopes that Cullinan’s family can find peace and healing away from the influence of NSC-131.
The Teatotaller Café, which was targeted by NSC-131 a day before Cullinan’s death, posted a statement on their Facebook page saying that they are “deeply saddened” by the news of his passing and that they hope that “his family can find some solace in this difficult time”. The café also said that they are “committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all people” and that they will continue to celebrate diversity and inclusion in their community.
Conclusion
Leo Cullinan was the leader of the New Hampshire branch of NSC-131, a neo-Nazi group that spread hate and violence in the state. He died of a drug overdose in June 2023, according to his official death certificate. His death sparked mixed reactions from his supporters and opponents, who had different views on his legacy and impact. His death also raised questions about the future of NSC-131 and the threat of white supremacy in New Hampshire and beyond.
