Residents of Nashville, Tennessee, are struggling to find ways to respond to a sudden upsurge in neo-Nazi and white supremacist activity in the city as small groups of extremists have descended on the community carrying swastika flags, chanting “Sieg Heil” and handing out flyers saying “Diversity means fewer white people”.
Over the past two weeks, neo-Nazi groups and affiliated organizations, including the Patriot Front and a network calling itself the Goyim Defense League, have staged antisemitic stunts in the city center – including stopping passersby and asking them if they are Jewish. They have also disrupted a city council meeting.
While the groups have first amendment rights of free assembly, political and law enforcement leaders have encouraged residents to avoid engaging with the far-right extremists, as to do so would play into their desire for attention.