A group of masked individuals waving Nazi flags marched around Monument Circle on Aug. 16, drawing swift condemnation from city officials, law enforcement leaders and civil rights groups.
Dressed in black and carrying black flags emblazoned with red swastikas, the marchers were seen chanting “white power” and giving Nazi salutes. Some were reportedly armed. The demonstration, which appeared without prior public notice, was quickly monitored by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said the department had no advance knowledge of the march but diverted resources to track the group once it began.
“Yesterday, a hate group chose to march in downtown Indianapolis. Their attempt to spread messages of fear and division stands in direct contrast to the values of our city,” Bailey said in a statement. “Safeguarding First Amendment rights, even for those whose views we find reprehensible, is a responsibility we take seriously. But let me be clear: protecting those rights is not an endorsement of those beliefs. Not now, not ever.”
Public officials condemned the march, calling it both dangerous and unrepresentative of Indianapolis.
U.S. Rep. André Carson said in a post online, “Hate has no place in Indianapolis. Nazis marching in our city is dangerous. We must stand united against extremism that endangers our community and democracy — including against racist redistricting that threatens to silence Hoosier voices.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also issued a statement condemning the march and urging solidarity against extremism.
“This appalling demonstration of hate and intimidation must be unequivocally condemned by all Americans, regardless of political affiliation,” the group said. “As we face a rising tide of bigotry and white supremacist violence nationwide, it is critical that law enforcement, elected officials and communities come together to reject the normalization of hate and protect the safety and rights of all Americans.”
No arrests were reported in connection with the march. IMPD officials said they will continue to monitor similar demonstrations to ensure public safety while maintaining constitutional obligations.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
