‘Unity Against Hate’: Locals Condemn Antisemitic Route 1 Banner

SAUGUS, MA — A pair of antisemitic banners displayed over Route 1 in Saugus and Route 114 in Danvers over the weekend have drawn criticism from local leaders and members of the general public in recent days, prompting calls for unity and new criticism of the group said to be behind the display.

The National Socialist Club 131 claimed responsibility for the banners. Though the Saugus Police said the group broke no laws in making their display, the police continued to say that they condemn “the hateful messages displayed in our community.”

“Now more than ever, we need unity against hate,” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur wrote in a separate message on social media late Monday night.

The signs were first spotted around 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to Saugus Police.

Witnesses reported groups of masked men seen displaying the signs.

Criticism followed, with individuals ranging from State Auditor Candidate Anthony Amore to representatives of the Anti-Defamation League issuing statements.

The National Socialist Club 131, also known as NSC - 131, claimed responsibility for the incident on Saturday via Telegram and Gab social media accounts, as reported by the Boston Globe.

NSC-131 is classified by the Anti-Defamation League as a neo-Nazi group. It has roots in New England and has previously been involved in incidents including the St. Patrick's Day display of a banner reading “Keep Boston Irish.”

The group has protested planned “drag queen story hours,” with at least one member ending up in court on charges related to fights with counter-protestors at a drag queen story hour event this year.

“These conveniently masked cowards were seen yesterday on Route 1 in Saugus,” Amore wrote on Twitter on Monday following NSC-131's most recent activities. “Anti-Semitism seemingly has no end in our society.”

These conveniently masked cowards were seen yesterday on Route 1 in Saugus. Anti-Semitism seemingly has no end in our society.

We shouldn’t tolerate this and I hope you’ll join me in condemning this repugnant bigotry. pic.twitter.com/LfRQbkX6O3
— Anthony Amore For Auditor (@AnthonyAmore22) September 12, 2022