Nazi Plots in Hollywood
After Hitler rose to power in 1933, Nazi agents arrived in the U.S. to spread propaganda and establish the Friends of New Germany, later known as the German American Bund. Los Angeles became a hub for their activities, with meetings held at the Deutsche Haus and plans to recruit German-Americans. The Nazis aimed to create a network of sympathizers, even plotting to assassinate prominent Hollywood figures like Charlie Chaplin and Louis B. Mayer.
A Spy Network is Born
Leon Lewis, a Jewish lawyer and World War I veteran, knew the dangers posed by the Nazi movement. Realizing the U.S. government was more focused on Communism, Lewis created his own network of spies, mostly German-American veterans. Posing as Nazi sympathizers, they infiltrated the Bund and other fascist groups, gathering intelligence on their activities.
Uncovering Deadly Plans
Lewis’s spies reported numerous plots, including machine-gunning Jewish neighborhoods and blowing up military installations. One scheme involved creating a fake fumigation company to poison Jewish families. Despite presenting this information to local authorities, Lewis found many law enforcement officials sympathetic to the Nazis.
Preventing Tragedy
By sowing distrust among Bund members and getting key figures deported or arrested, Lewis’s team disrupted these plans. When the FBI needed information on Nazi sympathizers after Pearl Harbor, it was Lewis’s files that helped them round up suspects. His spy network remained active until the end of World War II.
The Secret War Against the Nazis in Los Angeles 🪖
1/4: Nazi Plots in Hollywood
After Hitler rose to power in 1933, Nazi agents arrived in the U.S. to spread propaganda and establish the Friends of New Germany, later known as the German American Bund. Los Angeles became a hub… pic.twitter.com/k8bDlABV8P— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TBBOB2) September 19, 2024