Protesters displaying Nazi flags leave highway overpass in the Cincinnati area after residents challenge them.

 Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval stated, "Hate-filled messages like these are unacceptable in our region."

Feb. 8, 2025, 8:50 AM GMT+6

A group of demonstrators dressed in black, some carrying Nazi flags adorned with swastikas, quickly left a Cincinnati-area overpass after being confronted by local residents on Friday, as shown in video footage.

The coverage from NBC affiliate WLWT Cincinnati included video showing individuals approaching the demonstrators, with police officers positioned between them. The group, which numbered more than a dozen, promptly loaded into a U-Haul box truck and departed.

The protest featured a sign hanging over the freeway and individuals walking with Nazi flags, as seen in the aired video.

No arrests or injuries were reported during the incident, which took place in Evendale, a village located approximately 12 miles north of downtown Cincinnati. Evendale police responded to the demonstration on an Interstate 75 overpass shortly after 2 p.m.

In a statement, Evendale police noted that while the protest was deeply offensive, it was not unlawful. "The protest was short-lived," they said. "The protestors left the area on their own." The location is near Lincoln Heights, which is known as the first all-Black, self-governing city north of the Mason-Dixon line.

Lincoln Heights resident Kachara Talbert expressed frustration, arguing that the demonstrators should have been arrested. "They just let these people drive off and disrespect us and our heritage," Talbert said to WLWT. "And y’all going to let these terrorists and racists come over here and do that?"

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval condemned the demonstration, stating on X, "Messages of hate like this have no place in our region. It was shocking and disgusting to see swastikas displayed in Evendale today. This is not what we stand for, and it will never be what we stand for."

The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati also expressed its outrage, calling the demonstration "deeply disturbing." They affirmed their commitment to combating hate, stating, "Our response to hate is to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening community bonds, advancing education, and advocating for a society free of antisemitism and all forms of hate and bigotry."

No specific group has taken responsibility for the demonstration.