COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Antisemitic messages were projected onto an I-75 overpass over the weekend, flashing "Heil Hitler" among multiple scrolling lines of text. The messages appeared to come from the same neo-Nazi group that littered antisemitic flyers in Brookhaven just a week ago and has spread antisemitic messaging around metro Atlanta and elsewhere in the country for years.
Cobb County Police confirmed antisemitic messages were displayed on an overpass on the night of Oct. 28. Police went to the scene and detectives were notified.
Videos taken by drivers were shared on social media by reporter Greg Bluestein and the @GAFollowers account.
In one shared by Bluestein of the AJC, the message scrolling across said, "This land is our land. Heil Hitler and the GDL" - referring to the "Goyim Defense League" hate group. Their website also appeared on the Brookhaven flyers last week and they were responsible for a demonstration with Nazi flags outside an East Cobb synagogue in June.
The @GAFollowers video showed a message stating "It's OK to be antisemitic."
The messages were projected onto the overpass above I-75 North at the exit to I-575.
Cobb County Police issued a statement condemning what happened, saying the department stands in solidarity with all residents and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of everyone. Authorities are taking steps to address what happened, including coordinating with other law enforcement partners to conduct the investigation.
"Hate has no place in our community, and we will work to ensure that those responsible for any violations of law are held accountable," the police statement reads.
Several Georgia leaders condemned the incident, including Republican state Attorney General Chris Carr and state Rep. Teri Anulewicz, a Cobb County Democrat.
"This is not who we are as Georgians. We are a state with loving people that exude kindness.," AG Carr wrote. "This act and antisemitism have no place in Georgia."
Rep. Anulewicz, representing District 42 including parts of Smyrna and Marietta, wrote: "Horrifying and heartbreaking to see this fervent hate persist in Cobb County. I don’t care that this depraved group isn’t based in Cobb. I am devastated and outraged that they continue to believe they have an audience here. #gapol"
"The Cobb County Police Department remains vigilant and is committed to ensuring that all residents can live and work in a community where they feel safe, valued, and respected," police said.
Officers are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the tip line at 770-499-4111 or cobbpolicecrimetips@cobbcounty.org.
"The community's eyes and ears are a valuable resource, and together, we can ensure that Cobb County remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone," the police said.
News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.
