The White House and President Joe Biden on Monday denounced the group of neo-Nazis who marched in the Short North on Saturday, calling it a “sickening display” and saying it was hostile to American values.
Columbus police began to receive reports around 1:15 p.m. Saturday about a dozen people, one with a bullhorn, wearing all black with red facemasks and carrying black flags with red swastikas on them in the Short North, The Dispatch previously reported.
Police responded to a report from a caller who said that one of the people in the group sprayed pepper spray or mace at a passerby. Callers also reported the group was using racial slurs toward people of color on the street, shouting about Jewish people and white power and appeared to be armed, police dispatchers said.
The White House said in a statement that “Biden abhors the hateful poison of Nazism, Antisemitism, and racism.”
“Hate directed against any of us is a threat to every single one of us,” White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement. “This sickening display comes during a tragic rise in Antisemitic rhetoric and violence that is a crises the American people should all come together against.”
More:DeWine, Columbus leaders condemn neo-Nazis marching through Short North; no arrests made
Community leaders condemn neo-Nazi march
In a statement early Sunday, police said there were no arrests after officers were dispatched at 1:20 p.m. “on a group of individuals dressed in all black and armed with firearms holding Nazi Swastika signs,” Sgt. Joe Albert wrote.
Officers were advised the group may have been in a physical altercation with civilians in the area.
In statements following the march, local and statewide elected officials condemned the neo-Nazi march.
Mayor Andrew Ginther also said in a statement posted on X that the community will continue to stand against hatred and bigotry and embrace tolerance and acceptance through diversity.
“Together, we reject the cowardly display reported in the Short North earlier today, and we will continue to monitor the situation in partnership with the Columbus Division of Police to ensure the safety and security of our city.”
In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, City Attorney Zach Klein said: “To those involved in the neo-Nazi march in the Short North today, take your flags and the masks you hide behind and go home and never come back. Klein wrote. “Your hate isn’t welcome in our city.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, in a statement, denounced the group’s actions and said, “There is no place in this State for hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence.
“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 color and Jews,” DeWine said.
@Cbehrens@dispatch.com
@Colebehr_report
Source: politics.einnews.com…
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