(This article has been updated to provide the latest information.)

Leaders in Columbus are strongly denouncing a march by armed neo-Nazis that took place Saturday afternoon, during which members directed racial slurs at individuals of color while expressing pro-Jewish sentiments and advocating for white supremacy.

Starting around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, videos emerged on social media showcasing approximately a dozen individuals, one of whom had a bullhorn, all dressed in black with red masks, carrying black flags emblazoned with red swastikas in the Short North area.

Police were alerted by a caller who reported that someone in the group had sprayed pepper spray or mace at a bystander. Reports indicated that the group was verbally attacking people of color and shouting about Jewish individuals and white power while appearing to be armed, according to police dispatchers.

Authorities stated on Sunday that none were arrested following their arrival at 1:20 p.m. “in response to a group dressed in all black and armed with firearms displaying Nazi Swastika flags,” noted Sgt. Joe Albert.

Upon arrival, officers were informed that the group may have been involved in a physical confrontation with civilians nearby.

“Soon after our officers arrived, the group departed the area without any issues,” Albert wrote. “Officers then stopped a van the group had left in a short distance away to look into the potential assault. Many people inside the van were held for questioning, but it was later confirmed that no assault had occurred, and everyone was released.”

Local community leaders quickly condemned the group’s demonstrations.

“The hateful display by these masked neo-Nazis in the Short North is yet another troubling instance of the bigotry we see across the nation,” said Lee C. Shapiro, regional director for the American Jewish Committee, in a statement. “We appreciate the swift actions of the Columbus police to halt this unauthorized march and the strong response from city officials to this cowardly act. We cannot allow provocateurs to instill fear in a city known for its diversity and tolerance. Hate has no place in Columbus, today or ever.”

Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement denouncing the group’s actions, stating, “There is no room for hate, bigotry, anti-Semitism, or violence in this State.”

“We will not accept hate in Ohio. Neo-Nazis — their identities concealed by red masks — marched through Columbus today, brandishing Nazi flags and unleashing hateful and racist rhetoric against people of color and Jewish individuals,” DeWine added.

City Attorney Zach Klein addressed the situation on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating: “To those who participated in the neo-Nazi march in the Short North today, take your flags and the masks you hide behind and return home, never to return. Your hatred is not welcome in our city.”

City Council President Shannon Hardin also mentioned on X that he was in contact with police regarding the incident.

“I am deeply disappointed that the President-elect has emboldened these individuals,” Hardin wrote. “Our community rejects their pathetic attempts to instill fear and hate. Columbus will continuously support those they aim to intimidate.”

Mayor Andrew Ginther expressed his commitment, via a statement on X, that the community will keep standing against hatred and bigotry while promoting tolerance and acceptance through diversity.

“Together, we condemn the cowardly display reported in the Short North earlier today, and we will continue closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Columbus Division of Police to ensure our city remains safe and secure.”

Sean Walton Jr., a civil rights advocate and attorney based in Columbus, who is also running for president of the NAACP Columbus chapter in the upcoming election, described the events of Saturday as “both alarming and unacceptable” and “a direct attack on the values that unite us.”

“Let me be clear: hatred has no place here. The actions of these protesters weaken the very foundation of our strength—our diversity, unity, and mutual dedication to justice and joy for everyone,” Walton remarked. “Although their goal is to divide us, we must resist the urge to retaliate with their same hate and hostility. Instead, we should respond with the enduring strength of love, resistance, and our collective commitment to community.”

Walton called on elected officials and the police to conduct a thorough investigation of those involved and act promptly to prevent such occurrences in the future.