Officers in Ohio have responded strongly after armed people carrying masks and carrying Nazi flags marched by Columbus on Saturday afternoon. The group, wearing black and holding flags with swastikas on them, was noticed within the Quick North space round 1 pm, as reported by WSYX, the native ABC affiliate.
The Columbus Police Division confirmed that while some people have been quickly detained following studies of a potential bodily confrontation, no arrests have been made after figuring out no assault had occurred. The authorities famous that the contributors have been carrying firearms.
Ohio’s republican governor Mike DeWine issued an announcement through X, saying, “We is not going to tolerate hate in Ohio. Neo-Nazis — their faces hidden behind pink masks — roamed streets in Columbus in the present day, carrying Nazi flags and spewing vile and racist speech in opposition to individuals of shade and Jews. There have been studies that they have been additionally espousing white energy sentiments.” He emphasised that hatred, bigotry, antisemitism and violence haven’t any place in Ohio.
The Metropolis of Columbus launched an official assertion expressing solidarity in opposition to hatred and bigotry, affirming their dedication to defending all residents no matter their identification, religion or relationships. They highlighted the town’s values of tolerance and acceptance, while condemning the demonstration within the Quick North space.
Columbus Metropolis legal professional Zach Klein posted on X, instantly addressing the demonstrators, saying, “To these concerned within the neo-Nazi march within the Quick North in the present day, take your flags and the masks you conceal behind and go house and by no means come again. Your hate is not welcome in our metropolis.”
This incident follows an analogous demonstration in Howell, Michigan, the place masked protesters displayed Nazi flags outdoors a manufacturing of “The Diary of Anne Frank” the earlier week. These protesters have been instructed to relocate, and no arrests have been made.
