'Fascists And Nazis' Crash Providence Communist Manifesto Reading

PROVIDENCE, RI — A reading of the Communist Manifesto at a Providence community space Monday night was interrupted by a violent group. The "fascists and Nazis" outnumbered community members 10 to one, Red Ink Community Library said.

"They showed up on our sidewalk, banged on our glass windows, shouted horrible slurs, and attempted to assault our members," the organizations tweeted. "There was little we could do other than tell them to go home and try to stay safe indoors."

Red Ink is a self-described "nonprofit community library, reading room and organizing space" on Cypress Street. The event marked the anniversary of the Communist Manifesto, which was first published Feb. 21, 1848. It lasted about 45 minutes before the crowd arrived, the organization said.

"Their disruption did not go unnoticed. Several community members yelled at the fascists to go home, joining our condemnation of this despicable display," Red Ink said. "The Nazis continued to put on their show until Providence Police asked them to leave. While we didn't ask for help from the police, it was only the threat of state violence that ended this disruption."

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza issued a statement condemning the violence and particularly the display of the swastika flag. He urged anyone with information about the incident to reach out to Providence police.

"Providence is home to diverse people, culture and ideas and our city has no room for hate-filled actions meant to intimidate and cause fear," the statement read in part.