A Statement from Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey

“On Friday, February 7th, a group of neo-Nazi demonstrators, dressed in black, took position on a bridge over Interstate 75 connecting the Villages of Lincoln Heights and Evendale. They wore masks to intimidate our citizens and conceal their identity. They displayed signage including swastikas and hate symbols associated with Nazism and white supremacism. Many also exercised their legal right in Ohio to open-carry weapons.
These masked neo-Nazis had one intent … to perpetrate hate in the Village of Lincoln Heights and throughout Hamilton County. They descended on this area, with no advance warning, because they wanted to draw attention to themselves and their repugnant beliefs. Their behavior is unacceptable and needs to be rejected in every lawful manner.
As Sheriff of Hamilton County, I am committed to protecting and serving our community with accountability, transparency, dignity, and respect. These types of hateful acts have no place in our community, and we are asking everyone to stand with us against this repulsive behavior. I am in active conversation with our Ohio legislators to create more protection for our community against these hateful demonstrations and more resources for our law enforcement officers to combat hate groups.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if charges will apply.” – Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey