Columbus city attorney weighs charges from neo-Nazi march

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fallout from a neo-Nazi demonstration in Columbus has reached the White House, with President Biden releasing a statement condemning the extremist group that waved Nazi flags and chanted racial slurs.  

On Monday, Columbus Police confirmed an investigation is underway for possible crimes committed during the march. Police are asking for video of an altercation between a group of civilians and the group of neo-Nazi demonstrators outside Oddfellows in the Short North.

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant released the following statement:  

On November 16, the City of Columbus experienced a Neo-Nazi demonstration in the Short North. We received numerous calls from concerned residents. Officers immediately responded and initiated an investigation.  

During the initial investigation, available evidence did not support the filing of criminal charges. The investigation continues. Included in the evidence review was video showing pepper spray deployed by the neo-Nazis. To date, probable cause has not been established to make any arrests.  

We continue to review available videos and encourage anyone in the community to submit any videos, statements or evidence. The investigation will continue until we are confident we have reviewed and analyzed all available evidence. We will update members of our community if charges are filed in the future.  

“The Constitution protects First Amendment activity, no matter how hateful,” Bryant said. “We are bound by the law in enforcement of such activity. No one in our community should experience intimidation or harassment. We will continue to strive to make Columbus a city where all residents feel welcome and safe.”  

If anyone has any additional information, contact the Columbus Division of Police Zone Investigations Unit at 614-645-4474. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614- 645-TIPS (8477).  

After the initial altercation, CPD conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle transporting the group of masked men. They were briefly detained and released with no arrests. CPD said at the time that there was no evidence of an assault having happened. 

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said Monday that he will work with Columbus police to make sure any possible crimes will be explored for prosecution.  

NBC4 asked Klein where the line between a peaceful assembly and criminal action lies.  

"A lot of it, you know, it's obviously specific, but a lot of it has to do with conduct,” he said. “Certainly, words can, if you threaten someone specifically, but it's also when words become actions, when words become actions. That's not speech. That's a crime.” 

Klein was clear he had not seen the video showing the altercation in question and clearly shows some sort of spray being deployed by members of the neo-Nazi group.

NBC4 also asked Klein if using pepper spray in public can be considered assault.

"Sure, that could be an assault, absolutely yeah,” he said. “And so that's why, you know, getting to the bottom of the facts of what happened, I know there's been allegations that there has been video out there and I can assure you the police is sorting through it.” 

Columbus Police are actively looking for more evidence including videos and witness testimony.