On Saturday, the National Socialist Movement, a far-right hate group that celebrates Adolf Hitler’s birthday, gathered for a rally at a park in downtown Newnan.
» RELATED: LIVE UPDATES: Neo-Nazi rally planned Saturday afternoon in Newnan
About 25 neo-Nazis showed up and anti-fascist demonstrators as well as hundreds of police officers were also on site.
Although the group is at war with lots of people, including about 50,000 who signed an online petition that opposed the event, the members made their way to Greenville Street Park to express their views on controversial topics, such as illegal immigration.
As the crowds grew, many hopped on social media to share their thoughts. Several condemned the neo-Nazis for their demonstrations.
Praying for Newnan. We must condemn the bigotry spread by hate groups. Our thoughts are with Sheriff Yeager, city officials, and all law enforcement officers who are working to protect residents and we hope the protests remains nonviolent.
— Casey Cagle (@CaseyCagle) April 21, 2018
I can't believe we're here again. I hope those protesting this are able to stay safe from those bring their fascism to full display #Newnan. https://t.co/rUpGTiDJt7
— ~i’m uhhh,new here~💫 (@slayeraven) April 21, 2018
Horrific to see this in #Newnan. I stand with the protestors. No hate, no fascists, no Nazis in #Newnan
— Deborah Eakin (@Tesseract_115) April 21, 2018
» RELATED: Police will outnumber neo-Nazis at Newnan rally Saturday
Counter protesters came out in droves as they carried signs and shouted “Newnan strong.”
Chanting “all power to the ppl newnan strong” .. no sign of organized neo Nazis in the park yet pic.twitter.com/cIw9pS75Ks
— Emily Cureton (@emilycureton) April 21, 2018
“Fascism has no place in this town,” said #Newnan resident Brad Strange who was on the square with wife Ashley and their three kids. pic.twitter.com/L3milth73E
— Chris Joyner (@cjoyner) April 21, 2018
Omg yes babydolls you're going a kindness thank you so much for these wonderful artworks bless it to those who seak love; not hate! Stop nazis from spreading their hate and bs! pic.twitter.com/hngS4eTsIZ
— ☘Omen☘ (@OM3NITY) April 21, 2018
Others noted the group’s tardiness and said that many of the members arrived 40 minutes late.
The Nazi have arrived here in #Newnan 40 minutes late!!
— Brian Randolph (@BRandolphDNB) April 21, 2018
Are the Nazis late?? #Newnan
— resident resister (@birdytobirdy) April 21, 2018
Adding a blessing before the protestors show up to a town not theirs. #NewnanStrong pic.twitter.com/YbPaW5pVuY
— Fortheloveofmonie (@HarlemQueen) April 21, 2018
Many documented their encounters with law enforcement, stating they were approached with hostility.
Unarmed protesters, protesting Nazis in their streets. Thank God militarized police were there to point assault rifles at them in defense of White supremacy. 🇺🇸 #Newnan pic.twitter.com/HYZ3Uoso2T
— Kamala Harris is a Cop (@BethLynch2020) April 21, 2018
I just witness the most over-aggressive policing I've ever seen in #Newnan. Tackling protesters and arresting them... for wearing masks. pic.twitter.com/Mf1e5cfKH2
— Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) April 21, 2018
Ah, there’s a neo-nazi rally in #Newnan, so nice to see the cops letting them know they’re not welcome and keeping the residents safe.
— li’l lofi hip-hop (@beccaheckyea) April 21, 2018
jk jk
The cops are protecting the nazis and pointing guns at protesters and journalists.
A few simply urged attendees to stay safe during the demonstrations.
Everyone out countering the fascists in Newnan today-- be safe and run the Nazis out of town!#NoNaziNewnan
— Durutti (@KJ76ATL) April 21, 2018
Please stay safe cops look worse than the Nazis
— Sandi Bachom (@sandibachom) April 21, 2018
» RELATED: Interfaith unity service planned in Newnan in response to Neo-Nazi rally
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