CNN —
Ohio officials have vocally condemned a small group of neo-Nazis who marched through a neighborhood in Columbus on Saturday afternoon, openly displaying flags marked with swastikas and chanting a racist slur. This incident marks yet another alarming demonstration by White nationalists, highlighting a troubling trend of escalating hate events across the United States in recent years.
Approximately a dozen individuals, dressed in black pants and shirts complemented by head coverings that obscured their identities with red masks, marched along the streets near downtown Columbus. Eyewitness footage provided to CNN affiliate WBNS captured three of them brandishing black flags emblazoned with intimidating red swastikas.
Columbus public safety dispatch encountered a flurry of 911 calls around 1:30 p.m., alerting authorities to a group marching conspicuously in the Short North area, representatives from the dispatch center confirmed to the station.
In response to the demonstration, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther fiercely denounced the “cowardly display” of hate, reinforcing the city’s resolute commitment to combating “hatred and bigotry.” He articulated emphatically on social media, “We will not allow any of our neighbors to be intimidated, threatened, or harmed because of who they are, how they worship and whom they love.”
“Take your flags and the masks you hide behind and go home and never come back. Your hate isn’t welcome in our city,” City Attorney Zach Klein declared on social media in response to the march. “This is not who we are, and we will not tolerate or normalize this disgusting ideology in any form.”
The state’s governor also stepped forward to denounce the rally, labeling the participants as “spewing vile and racist speech against people of color and Jews.” Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine stated, “There is no place in this state for hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence, and we must denounce it wherever we see it.”
Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League reported that the number of events organized or attended by White supremacists in the United States reached a staggering new high last year, totaling 282 incidents. In recent years, public rallies featuring individuals displaying Nazi flags have erupted in various cities including Nashville, New Hampshire, Boston, Arkansas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Michigan, where swastikas were strikingly featured outside a community theater performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
Since 1945, the swastika has become the most notorious and prominent symbol of hate, representing a legacy of anti-Semitism and White supremacy across the globe, rooted in the horrific history of Germany’s Nazi Party and especially its role in the Holocaust, as outlined by the Anti-Defamation League.
While no arrests were reported during the incident on Saturday, police did temporarily detain a number of marchers, according to reports from WBNS. CNN has since reached out to Columbus police for further details regarding the event.
In light of Saturday’s disturbing neo-Nazi gathering, community leaders in Columbus organized a unity march on Sunday, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and resistance against hate, as reported by CNN affiliate WSYX.
This story has been updated with additional information.
How can educational initiatives help in mitigating the influence of extremist ideologies within communities?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Thornton, Expert in Hate Crimes and Social Movements**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thornton. We’re discussing the recent neo-Nazi march in Columbus, Ohio. What are your thoughts on this event and its implications for the community?
**Dr. Thornton**: Thank you for having me. This march is quite alarming and, unfortunately, part of a broader trend we’re witnessing across the United States. Such public demonstrations of hate not only incite fear within communities but also serve to embolden extremist groups.
**Editor**: Ohio officials, including Mayor Andrew Ginther and Governor Mike DeWine, strongly condemned the actions of the participants. How important is this response from local leaders?
**Dr. Thornton**: It’s crucial. Strong denunciations from officials signal to the community that hate will not be tolerated. It fosters a sense of safety and solidarity among residents who feel threatened. A united front against racism and bigotry can help counter these hateful messages.
**Editor**: The Anti-Defamation League reported a record number of hate events in the previous year. How do you view this increase in white supremacist activities?
**Dr. Thornton**: It reflects the normalization of extremist ideologies in some sectors of society. The internet and social media have facilitated the spread of these ideas, making it easier for like-minded individuals to organize and rally. Education and community awareness are fundamental in combating this resurgence.
**Editor**: The swastika is a deeply potent symbol in our history. Why is it especially significant in discussions about hate groups today?
**Dr. Thornton**: The swastika symbolizes a legacy of hatred, violence, and anti-Semitism that resulted in unimaginable suffering during the Holocaust. Its presence in public demonstrations serves as a painful reminder of the past but also underscores the ongoing fight against such ideologies today.
**Editor**: What can communities do to respond effectively to such hate demonstrations?
**Dr. Thornton**: Community engagement is essential. This can involve organizing peaceful counter-protests, holding educational forums, and fostering dialogues about diversity and inclusion. Building strong, informed communities can help to isolate hate groups and diminish their impact.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Thornton, for your insights on this urgent matter. It’s clear that addressing hate in our communities requires vigilance and collective action.
**Dr. Thornton**: Thank you for shedding light on this issue. Together, we can work to create a more inclusive society.