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Neo-Nazis carrying Swastika flags march through Columbus on Saturday

Vaseline November 16, 2024

(This story has been updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)

Columbus city leaders are condemning reports of armed neo-Nazis marching through the Short North on Saturday afternoon, making racist comments against people of color and shouting about Jewish people and white power.

On Saturday around 1:15 p.m., several videos appeared on social media of about a dozen people, one with a megaphone, wearing all black with red face masks and black flags with red swastikas on them in the Short North.

Police responded at 1:12 p.m. to a report from a caller who said one of the people in the group was spraying pepper spray or mace at a passerby. Callers also reported that the group made racist comments toward people of color on the street, shouted about Jewish people and white power and appeared armed, police dispatchers said.

At 2:18 p.m., a Reddit user posted photos of what appeared to be Columbus police handcuffing a black-clad, bearded individual behind a U-Haul van near the on-ramp to State Route 315 and West Goodale Street. Police dispatchers could not immediately confirm whether officers had arrested anyone.

Around 2:45 p.m., police dispatchers told The Dispatch that officers were still on scene and monitoring the situation. The group was said to have been in Franklinton at approximately 3:15 p.m.

In a statement on never back again. Your hatred is not welcome in our city.”

Mayor Andrew Ginther also said in a statement on X that the community will continue to stand against hate and bigotry and embrace tolerance and acceptance through diversity.

“Together we denounce the cowardly display reported earlier today in the Short North, and we will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the Columbus Division of Police to ensure the safety of our city.”

City Council President Shannon Hardin also said in a post on X that he had been in contact with police about the incident.

“I’m sorry the president-elect encouraged these creeps,” Hardin wrote. “This community rejects their pathetic attempts to promote fear and hatred. Columbus will always support those who try to intimidate them.”

As of 4 p.m., police dispatchers could not confirm whether officers had arrested anyone, and a Columbus Police spokesperson had not responded to a Dispatch reporter’s call for more information.

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