In a shocking demonstration, a group of masked neo-Nazis marched through the capital of a US state, sparking outrage and counter-protests. Videos circulating online show the group displaying hate symbols, prompting widespread condemnation from local leaders and civil rights organizations.
A group of neo-Nazis marched through Columbus, the capital of Ohio, on Saturday while chanting racist and antisemitic slogans.
Men dressed in black with ski masks were recorded walking on the street in the Short North neighborhood, holding black flags adorned with large red swastikas. In a video shared on X, they can be heard shouting derogatory phrases and making aggressive demands for others to leave their country.
The identities of the men and their organizational affiliation remain uncertain. Several passersby confronted the marchers, shouting insults at them. However, no violent incidents were reported.
Ohio politicians and Jewish organizations strongly criticized the procession. Governor Mike DeWine emphasized, “Hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence have no place in this state and must be condemned whenever they appear.”
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“We will not permit any of our neighbors to face intimidation, threats, or harm due to their identity, religious practices, or whom they love,” the City of Columbus declared in a statement.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein criticized the marchers on X, urging them to “leave and never return.”
Lee Shapiro, the regional director of the American Jewish Committee, characterized the march as “yet another unfortunate instance of bigotry that has been observed nationwide.”
The police have initiated an investigation, but it is currently unclear if any arrests have been made.
The FBI has observed an increase in hate crimes across the US over recent years. Antisemitic incidents saw a further spike following the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023.
