Boston 'Repulsed' By Neo-Nazi Presence On St. Patrick's Day

BOSTON — A group of 15 to 20 people was seen on Sunday's St. Patrick's Day parade wearing neo-Nazi symbols with a banner that said: "Keep Boston Irish."

The group stood along the parade route on West Broadway Sunday, mostly wearing face masks and sunglasses. They were seen wearing the logo of the Nationalist Social Club, or NSC 131, a group both the Counter Extremism Project and the Anti-Defamation League call neo-Nazis.

Many have taken to Twitter to bring attention to the group's presence at the parade, expressing their own concerns over hateful messages. "Fascism is alive and well and unbothered in Boston," one person wrote.

While local officials called their message "repulsive" and "disgusting," adding that hate groups will never be welcome.

City Council President Ed Flynn, Councilor Michael Flaherty, state Senator Nick Collins, state Representative David Biele, U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch, and Clerk Michael Donovan issued a joint statement denouncing the group Monday.

"Their ideology is repugnant and contrary to an event that celebrates our proud immigrant history and is enjoyed by children, families, and people of all ethnicities and backgrounds," the elected officials said in an email. "Their message is repulsive to the South Boston community and Gold Star Families who were at the parade to commend our veterans and honor their service to our nation."

The Boston Police Department said it had received no complaints about the group as of Monday night.

According to a report released earlier this month by the Anti Defamation League, Massachusetts has the fourth-highest levels of hate propaganda activity in the nation behind Pennsylvania, Virginia and Texas.

The ADL says Patriot Front, a white nationalist hate group, and NSC 131 are the two groups behind the biggest increase in hate-fueled activity in Massachusetts. Data from the ADL shows Patriot Front is responsible for 82% of incidents across the country.