A rally this week in Boise included Nazi imagery and other racist symbols, conjuring the darkest corners of Idaho history.
Footage circulating on social media of a Black Lives Matter rally at Boise’s City Hall shows counterprotesters chanting “white lives matter.” More disturbingly, photos and video show several men had either tattoos or patches of the SS, a paramilitary group responsible for some of Nazi Germany’s worst atrocities.
In a Twitter video, one of the men is punching Black Lives Matter protesters. Others in the crowd can be seen wearing Confederate flag apparel.
These images are reminiscent of Idaho’s ugly history of hate. The Aryan Nations, a neo-Nazi group, was based in North Idaho for years. Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature voted down a “Too Great For Hate” specialty license plate.
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean condemned violence and racist symbols in a statement.
“There is no room for this in our city,” the statement reads. “There is no room for this in our democratic society that enshrines the right to protest peacefully, dialogue constructively, and come together to build a stronger and more just community.”
Boise Police made no arrests at the rally but say they are investigating.
Follow Heath Druzin on Twitter @HDruzinH for more local news.
Copyright 2018 Boise State Public Radio
