Aryan Nations Aide Departs Butler Cites Staff Leader’s Divorce As Reason For ‘Temporary Leave’

The No. 2 leader at the Aryan Nations is gone after a dispute that reportedly centered on domestic relations, various sources say.

Tim Bishop, who held the title of “colonel” and “staff leader,” stepped down from the post several days ago, Aryan leader Richard Butler confirmed Friday.

Butler said Bishop left because he and his wife, Rhonda, “are in the middle of a difficult divorce.”

The Aryan leader said he could not confirm reports that Bishop had gotten into a ruckus at the Aryan compound, prompting his departure.

“I didn’t witness anything,” Butler said.

Bishop is on “temporary leave,” but is still an Aryan Nations member, Butler said.

According to one source, Bishop and his estranged wife were involved in a confrontation with Gerald Gruidl on the Aryan Nations grounds.

Gruidl, who has been director of Aryan prison ministries, declined to discuss what may have occurred, but said he and Bishop “are still good friends.”

Gruidl, 63, formerly of Payette, Idaho, will become acting staff leader, Butler said.

Bishop, who couldn’t be reached for comment, has left the area, Butler and Gruidl said.

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