Masked neo-Nazis carrying SWASTIKA flags march brazenly through major US city in shocking display
A group of masked neo-Nazis marched through Columbus, Ohio, carrying flags emblazoned with swastikas and shouting racist and antisemitic slurs.
The incident began around 1:15pm (local time) this afternoon when approximately a dozen individuals, dressed entirely in black with red face masks, were spotted parading through the trendy arts district.
Multiple witnesses reported the group was armed and using a bullhorn to shout racist abuse at people of colour, along with anti-Jewish rhetoric and white power sentiments.
Social media posts showing the disturbing display quickly went viral, capturing images of the marchers wielding black flags with red swastikas as they moved through the streets of Ohio’s capital city.
Columbus police responded to reports at 1:20 pm that one of the group members had allegedly sprayed pepper spray or mace at a passerby.
Officers were also alerted to potential physical altercations between the marchers and civilians in the area.
“Shortly after officers arrived on scene, the group left the area without incident,” said Sgt. Joe Albert of the Columbus Police Department.
Police later stopped a van carrying the group and detained several individuals to investigate the reported assault.
After determining no assault had taken place, all detained individuals were released, according to police statements.
The investigation remains ongoing, though no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a forceful condemnation of the march on social media.
He wrote: “We will not tolerate hate in Ohio. Neo-Nazis – their faces hidden behind red masks – roamed streets in Columbus today, carrying Nazi flags and spewing vile and racist speech against people of colour and Jews.
“There is no place in this State for hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence, and we must denounce it wherever we see it.”
The American Jewish Committee’s regional director Lee C. Shapiro praised the police response, calling the march “another sad example of the bigotry that we have witnessed across the country.”
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther issued a statement emphasising the city’s stance against extremism.
“The Columbus community stands squarely against hatred and bigotry,” Ginther declared. “We will not allow any of our neighbours to be intimidated, threatened or harmed because of who they are, how they worship or whom they love.”
City Attorney Zach Klein delivered a direct message to the neo-Nazi marchers on social media.
“Take your flags and the masks you hide behind and go home and never come back,” Klein stated. “Your hate isn’t welcome in our city.”
City Council President Shannon Hardin revealed he had been in contact with police about the incident.
Hardin wrote: “This community rejects their pathetic efforts to promote fear and hate. Columbus will always stand with those they seek to intimidate.”