By NANCY WEST and ARNIE ALPERT, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – Concord police are seeking information from anyone who witnessed an altercation between a bystander and a group of people marching downtown and in front of the State House carrying a flag with a swastica and a sign saying, “Trump Loves Epstein” on Saturday at about 1:30 p.m.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit is also aware and actively monitoring the ongoing investigation by the Concord Police Department at this time, Michael Garrity, spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office, said Sunday.
Concord police officers arrived and discovered a group of about 20 people dressed alike and wearing face masks. This group was also displaying a flag with a swastika. It was also reported that an altercation took place between a bystander and people involved with the march, according to a Concord police news release.
Responding officers spoke to several individuals involved, and the group left around 2 p.m.
“No arrests were made at that time, however this is an active investigation and the department
expects to release more information soon,” the release said.
Concord Mayor Byron Champlin said Concord does not welcome hate.
Preliminary reports show the group did not apply for or obtain a permit to assemble, Champlin said.
“Additionally, videos appear to show acts of violence, and I am confident that law enforcement is reviewing those incidents thoroughly to determine whether laws were broken and to hold individuals accountable.
“My heart is with all those who are upset with this. Know that we stand united against hate, and we will not be intimidated by groups like this. If anything.it just makes our bond as a community stronger.”
Police asked that anyone with information related to this incident, including any video, contact the
Concord Police Department at (603) 225-8600 or the Concord Crimeline. Anyone who has
information relative to this incident and wishes to remain anonymous is asked to call the Concord
Regional Crimeline at (603) 226-3100, or submit information online through the Concord Regional
Crimeline website at: www.concordregionalcrimeline.com, or text message TIP234 and your
message to CRIMES (274637). Crimeline awards cash to anyone whose information leads to the
arrest and indictment of criminals. All tips remain anonymous.
The group NH 50501 was coincidentally holding a peaceful protest at the State House “Rage Against the Regime” when they encountered the group of masked individuals who were wearing black pants and red shirts and carrying Nazi flags.
“Upon arrival, our Prep Squad and volunteers encountered approximately 18 individuals
with Nazi flags and clothing positioned in front of the Statehouse. Our Core Organizers,
who were meeting nearby, immediately joined the volunteers to ensure their safety and
provide support.
“NH 50501, and the entire 50501 movement, is unequivocally committed to non-violent,
peaceful protest. We believe in enacting change through peaceful, actionable solutions,” NH 50501 said in a news release.
“While we have no contact with this group, we are certain their actions were intended to disrupt our peaceful assembly. In line with our established protocols for managing counter-protesters, our team focused on maintaining the integrity of our event. Our team amplified anti-fascist music and messages, which effectively drowned out the Nazis’ megaphone. The Nazis subsequently marched out of the Statehouse area,” the release said.
“NH 50501 appreciates everyone who joined us in exercising their right to peaceful assembly and raising their voices for justice and liberty and against the current administration which has repeatedly shown they prioritize neither. We will continue to stand up for all of those this administration has stood against,” the 50501 release said.
House Democratic Leader Rep. Alexis Simpson, D-Exeter, released the following statement:
“House Democrats unequivocally condemn the Nazi demonstration that took place at the State House yesterday. This was an act of intimidation rooted in a violent ideology responsible for genocide, war, and crimes against humanity. We will not normalize it.
“We stand with every community targeted by white supremacy and hate. We will continue fighting for a state where strong communities foster dignity and justice, and love prevails over bigotry and fear,” Simpson said.