Around a dozen neo-nazis displayed swastika-emblazoned flags on an I-75 overpass between Lincoln Heights and Evendale. The neo-nazis wore balaclavas and red masks. Many were armed, and some openly carried AR-15-style assault rifles.
The group also had a banner that read “America is for the White Man” and featured antisemitic imagery.
“Messages of hate like this have no place in our region,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval on X. “It was shocking and disgusting to see swastikas displayed in Evendale today. This is not what we stand for, and it will never be what we stand for.”
Neo-Nazi carrying Assault rifle
According to Hamilton County dispatch, officers were on the scene to “keep the peace.” Members of the Lincoln Heights community gathered on the sidewalks around the neo-Nazis. Around 3 pm, as the neo-nazis began packing up into a U-Haul to leave, around 20 counter protestors broke through the police security barricades and rushed the neo-nazis.
In videos posted to social media, community members of Lincoln Heights can be seen burning a swastika flag.
“Acts of antisemitism and racism and bigotry are an affront to all of our values, the values of humanity, inclusivity, and respect that defines our Cincinnati community,” said Cincinnati Jewish Federation CEO Danielle Minson.
screenshot of video of people burning a swatstika flag (rooster.info)
White supremacist and neo-Nazi activity has been on the rise around the country and in Ohio over the past two years. In 2024, a group marched through Columbus carrying similar swastika flags. And the city of Springfield, Ohio, has been the target of neo-nazis, who have marched and attempted to intimidate the Springfield City Council and Haitian immigrants. The KKK and other white supremacist groups have repeatedly spread antisemitic and racist fliers in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
White supremacist activity has been on the rise over the last few years. According to the Anti-Defamation League, incidents have been rising yearly since 2022. The ADL recorded a spike in incidents in the final two months of 2024.
“We will not be intimidated,” said Minson in a statement. “Our response to hate is to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening community bonds, advancing education, and advocating for a society free of antisemitism and all forms of hate and bigotry.”
