A group of masked neo-Nazis have marched through Wisconsin’s state capital waving swastika flags and shouting "Heil Hitler”.
Footage posted to X/Twitter shows the group of around 20 men, who are members of white supremacist group 'Blood Tribe', also chanting "There will be blood” and "Israel is not our friend”. Several demonstrators wore red shirts that said 'Blood Tribe' on the back.
The group marched up Madison's pedestrian thoroughfare State Street that connects the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus with the Capitol Square, home to the state parliament, on Saturday.
The neo-Nazi group also stopped in front of the Gates of Heaven, the fourth-oldest surviving synagogue building in the United States. It is not currently in use as a synagogue.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said the march was "truly revolting” and added: “Let us be clear: neo-Nazis, antisemitism, and white supremacy have no home in Wisconsin. We will not accept or normalise this rhetoric and hate.”
Evers called those ideologies “repulsive and disgusting,” and denounced “their presence in our state in the strongest terms possible.”
Nazis in Germany 1939? No, Madison Wisconsin 2023.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 18, 2023
In one of the videos, the men are heard shouting “there will be blood”.
Those participating included members of the white supremacist group 'Blood Tribe' led by Nazi Christopher Alan Pohlhaus. pic.twitter.com/AA0P59pi9Y
Lisa Subeck, a Jewish Democrat politician who serves on the Wisconsin State Parliament, said the appearance of a neo-Nazi group at the parliament building was "alarming."
She added: "Especially right now where we've seen a rise in antisemitic activity. I think it's something that we should all be concerned about."
Jennifer Mnookin, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said: “The presence of this hateful group in Madison is utterly repugnant.
“Hatred and antisemitism are completely counter to the university’s values, and the safety and well-being of our community must be our highest priorities.”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describe the 'Blood Tribe' as an all-male group of "hardcore" white supremacists.
According to the ADL, the groups aim is to "normalise the swastika, usher in a resurgence of Nazi ideas and ultimately build a white ethno-state.”
The group opposes female or LGBT members and was founded by Christopher Pohlhaus, a former US Marine turned tattoo artist.
My full statement regarding the neo-Nazi demonstration that occurred in Madison today. pic.twitter.com/oZwVW9YTTO
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) November 18, 2023
ADL’s Midwest Regional Director David Goldenberg said: “The presence of neo-Nazis outside a synagogue and in front of Wisconsin’s state capitol today is deplorable.”
Goldenberg called on city, state, and university leaders to “act aggressively to develop comprehensive strategies to combat antisemitism and extremism in Wisconsin and on university campuses across the state.”
The Madison Police Department said officers were sent to monitor the incident, but concluded the demonstration was lawful.
“Whether you believe that's what this group is doing or not, it's First Amendment rights”, a spokeswoman added.
The march took place against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war which has sent antisemitic incidents spiking across the world.
