Ohio officials have denounced a small contingent of neo-Nazis who paraded through a Columbus neighborhood on Saturday afternoon, waving flags featuring swastikas. The incident occurred in the Short North area, adjacent to downtown Columbus, where around a dozen individuals clad in black pants, shirts, and head coverings, their faces obscured by red masks, were seen marching along the street. Three of the participants were carrying black flags emblazoned with red swastikas.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and City Attorney Zach Klein took to social media to condemn the 'cowardly display' and reaffirm the city's commitment to standing against hatred and bigotry. Mayor Ginther emphasized that the city will not tolerate any form of intimidation or harm towards its residents based on their identity, beliefs, or whom they love.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also spoke out against the demonstration, denouncing the participants for their vile and racist speech targeting people of color and Jews. Governor DeWine stressed that there is no place for hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence in the state of Ohio, calling for a united front against such ideologies.
While no arrests were made during the event, Columbus police briefly detained some marchers and later released them. Community leaders in Columbus responded to the neo-Nazi parade by organizing a unity march the following day to promote solidarity and denounce the hateful display.
This incident in Columbus comes on the heels of another Nazi demonstration in Michigan earlier this month, where individuals waving Nazi flags protested outside a community theater performance of 'The Diary of Anne Frank,' showcasing antisemitic sentiments.
