‘Won’t Tolerate Hate’: 2 Neo-Nazi Marches Spark Huge Outrage in Ohio and Michigan Communities

Neo-Nazis in Columbus: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Columbus city officials have strongly condemned a disturbing display of hate that unfolded Saturday in the Ohio capital.

Around 1 p.m., a group of masked individuals, clad in black and carrying Nazi flags, marched through the Short North neighborhood of Columbus, according to local ABC affiliate WSYX.

The march, captured in videos and images that quickly spread on social media, drew sharp criticism from leaders at every level.

“We will not tolerate hate in Ohio,” Gov. DeWine stated on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday evening.

“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. There were reports that they were also espousing white power sentiments.”

DeWine added, “There is no place in this State for hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence, and we must denounce it wherever we see it.”

Columbus Officials Condemn Hate Speech

The City of Columbus echoed this sentiment, releasing a statement that reinforced its commitment to diversity and safety.

“The Columbus community stands squarely against hatred and bigotry,” the statement read.

“We will not allow any of our neighbors to be intimidated, threatened, or harmed because of who they are, how they worship, or whom they love. Together, we reject the cowardly display reported in the Short North earlier today.”

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein was more direct in his response.

“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. Your hate isn’t welcome in our city,” he posted on X.

Neo-Nazi Incident in Michigan Draws Parallels

This incident in Columbus comes on the heels of a similarly unsettling event in Howell, Michigan, last week.

A group of masked demonstrators waved Nazi flags outside a production of The Diary of Anne Frank at the American Legion Post 141. Witnesses reported hearing racist and antisemitic slurs.

Livingston County Sheriff Michael J. Murphy confirmed law enforcement responded to the scene. While the protesters were asked to leave the property, they continued their demonstration across the street.

The Fowlerville Community Theatre, responsible for the production, addressed the audience during intermission.

Despite the disruption, the cast continued the performance with “strength and professionalism,” the theatre noted in a statement.

Communities Reject Hate

The Anti-Defamation League’s Michigan chapter strongly condemned the Howell demonstration. “We are disgusted by the far-right extremists who praised Hitler and waved Nazi flags,” the organization said on X.

Back in Columbus, police are continuing their investigation into the Short North incident.

Local leaders have pledged vigilance and partnership with law enforcement to maintain public safety.

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