Olympia Residents Stop Nazi March

international | anti-fascism | news report Monday January 23, 2006 11:18 by oly anti-fascist

1/22/06
Olympia—Hundreds of Olympia residents confronted Nazis outside of the corporate newspaper building here today. Nine members of the Nazi group National Socialist Movement gathered to test Olympia for future recruiting drives and a possible larger rally in July. Many of the Nazis dressed in SS Storm Trooper brownshirt uniforms and displayed large Nazi and American flags. Olympia residents were given less than a day’s notice to spread the news and organize a response.

Olympia residents surrounded the Nazis who were protected by approximately a dozen police officers. Both sides freely exchanged jeers and insults while police officers adjusted their buffer zone keeping residents away from the Nazis. Many residents were outraged that Nazis came to Olympia to openly espouse ethnic cleansing, genocide and hate. Olympia residents stood in the Nazis’ way and successfully prevented the Nazi group from marching to the State Capitol.

After approximately forty minutes, the Nazis decided to leave. Residents let out a huge cheer when most of the Nazis returned to their trucks and left. Three Nazis did not park their car at the rally point and were followed down State Avenue by police and residents.

Eventually garbage cans were placed in the three Nazis’ path. Police officers escorted the Nazis across the street and then into the backseats of police cars. Police then transported the Nazis to an unknown location.

Residents continued downtown and re-gathered in Sylvester Park to discuss the day’s experience. Residents passed around a megaphone and made speeches about what they learned and how proud they are of the Olympia community. Many residents expressed the need to fight fascism in all its forms.