The people of the United States were shocked on Sunday when users from Ohio's Columbus released videos of a neo-Nazi march in the city.
Dressed in black and wearing masks, a bunch of men took out a parade in broad daylight, using a microphone to chant and shout abuses at people of colour. Many social media users were shocked to see the men proudly carrying black flags with red swastika symbols as they marched on.
The leader of the neo-Nazis was heard repeatedly using the N-word against a man who challenged them from a moving car. He was asked to "shut up" and "Get out of my country" by the neo-Nazi, who was "too scared to remove his mask" or "show his face."
The neo-Nazi bunch was 11-strong, videos shot by onlookers showed.
Public outrage over neo-Nazi rally
Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus, disowned the incident that happened in the Short North area of the city. Promising the people of the city that the police would ensure their safety, he vouched that there was no place for hatred and bigotry in Columbus.
"The Columbus community stands squarely against hatred and bigotry. 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.
"We embrace tolerance and acceptance, and derive great strength from our diversity. It is who we are as a people, and it is precisely what has enabled us to grow and thrive and reach new heights of excellence," Mayor Ginther's statement said.
"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,” it added.
Social media shocked by Ohio neo-Nazi event
The American public was also outraged by the deplorable rally. "Nazis marched through Columbus, carrying flags with Swastikas, yelling racial slurs and profanities. I'll be releasing tech any citizen can build to utilize in tracking. You must help yourselves and fight against those who attempt to oppress us," one user wrote.
"nazis proudly walking down the streets of columbus in 2024, this country will never learn," another user, who shot the rally from a distance jotted.
The incident quickly claimed political colours as some people linked the rally to Donald Trump's victory in the recently-held US Presidential Polls. The 'MAGA' slogan's victory was fuelling ultra-right-wing elements, they alleged. "Emboldened by the victory of their Führer in the 2024 election. Saturday, in downtown Columbus, Ohio, Nazis marched through the streets unopposed. This is Trump America, y'all," one user said on X.
"Masked men dressed in black waved black flags with red swastikas, ranting at all people of color and shouting antisemitic slurs. You can bet these were emboldened Trump voters," another user observed.