Video obtained by 10TV shows the group chanting and holding swastika flags.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus leaders spoke out after a group of protesters camped outside a brunch at Land Grant Brewing Company near downtown Saturday afternoon.
A breakfast benefiting Kaleidoscope Ohio (KYC) and LGBTQ+ youth in the community was scheduled to take place at the brewery on West Town Street when the group showed up.
Video obtained by 10TV shows the group chanting and holding swastika flags.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said the “vile and offensive out-of-state hate group” does not represent the community.
“Even though their ‘speech’ is protected by the Constitution, they have no right to threaten, intimidate or harm others,” Ginter said in a written statement to 10TV. “Thank you to the Columbus Police Department for keeping the show going and keeping everyone safe. Kudos to the performers, including Virginia West, for their courage and commitment to love and acceptance, not division and hate.”
Shannon Hardin, president of the city council, said he is donating to KYC to support their work and show that the community supports them.
Full tweet reads: “LGBTQ+ children and families should not have to face obscene hate from Nazis. For now @ColumbusCouncil has existing budget funds @KYCOhioI’m donating today to support the great work they do and to show that our community supports KYC and the community they serve.”
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/columbus-leader-reacts-after-group-protests-drag-brunch-at-land-grant-brewery/530-02be7132-6874-403b-8d7a-b51013946c14
