ORLANDO, Florida, February 25—More than 500 people mobilized here today to oppose a march by the white supremacist National Socialist Movement (NSM) through the city’s Black community. The neo-Nazi group, based in Roanoke, Virginia, had put out a press release saying, “The situation for white citizens in Orlando is intolerable. Folks cannot walk the streets for fear of criminal thugs.” Protected by a heavy police phalanx, 22 NSM members marched through the neighborhood with signs such as “White pride” and “White people unite.” The racists held a rally, which was cut short as counterdemonstrators shouted, “No Nazis in Orlando!” Police escorted the neo-Nazis out of the area in SUV’s surrounded by police motorcycles . Some 300 cops were on hand not only to protect the neo-Nazis and arrest and harass counterprotesters, but to block off streets around the rally site, making it difficult for many people to join the antiracist mobilization. Police blockades, for example, prevented students Brittany Holliday and Stephanie Cohn from joining the anti-Nazi protest. “We came because what they [the NSM] are doing is wrong,” said Holliday. “How can they say Black people are causing trouble when they are starting the trouble?” Cops arrested 17 counterprotesters on charges that included wearing a ski mask on a public way.

—MAGGIE TROWE  
 
 
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