Neo-Nazi march in Ohio draws rebuke

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — President Joe Biden joined the chorus of state and city officials who are condemning a weekend neo-Nazi march in Columbus, Ohio.

The Saturday afternoon march in the Short North neighborhood of Columbus was initially reported on social media. According to witnesses, at least 11 people wearing masks participated, some carrying flags bearing swastikas and some broadcasting obscenities through a megaphone.

A bystander sprayed the group with what the Short North Civic Association called repellent spray, leading at least one of the marchers to retaliate by spraying mace. Columbus police broke up the encounter and briefly detained some of the marchers before determining no assault had taken place.

“President Biden abhors the hateful poison of Nazism, Antisemitism, and racism – which are hostile to everything the United States stands for, including protecting the dignity of all our citizens and the freedom to worship," White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement sent Monday to NBC4. "Hate directed against any of us is a threat to every single one of us.

"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."

Gov. Mike DeWine and Mayor Andrew Ginther were among those who spoke out over the weekend against the demonstration.

“We will not tolerate hate in Ohio,” DeWine said in a statement posted on social media.

Ginther said, “We reject the cowardly display," and City Council President Shannon Hardin said the efforts "to promote fear and hate" were "pathetic."

On Sunday, some 30 Black men joined a response march organized by attorney Sean Walton.

“It’s really important to show that we don’t have to be afraid, that we are stronger together, and that we are a united front here in Columbus for all people,” Walton said.