WASHINGTON, DC – Plans for a neo-Nazi rally later this month in Newnan has drawn the ire of the congressman who represents the area.
“Every citizen has the constitutional right to express their First Amendment freedoms to free speech and protest, but the racist views of neo-Nazis are completely abhorrent," said U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-3). "I commend Mayor Brady for his work to ensure a peaceful event and urge the entire Newnan community to stand together to show that there is no place for hate or intolerance in Georgia’s third district.”
The National Socialist Movement has been granted a permit to hold the rally from 3 to 5 pm in Greenville Street Park on April 21. While police are making preparations, a Change.org petition has been started by a local high school student and some small business owners plan to close their doors that day because they're worried about damages and violence.
Police are asking people who are not directly involved in the event to avoid the area. Road closures and detours will be in place “to help keep the peace between groups that may have opposing views on political issues.
In a safety plan released to business owners, police say they'll set up 100-gallon water barriers to keep the two groups apart, and they're calling in other agencies across the state to help keep the day safe.
