White Nationalist March in Downtown Charleston Condemned by West Virginia Officials

The West Virginia Democratic Party has condemned a white nationalist group that organized a march in downtown Charleston, calling them “modern day Nazis.” The group, identified as Patriot Front by the Southern Poverty Law Center, carried flags associated with hate groups and described themselves as “American fascists” and “openly anti-semitic.”

The march took place at the same time as the YWCA’s Race to End Racism event, highlighting the stark contrast between the two gatherings. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin spoke out against the march, emphasizing the importance of celebrating community and rejecting hate speech.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin called on Governor Jim Justice to condemn the actions of Patriot Front and stand in unity with both Republican and Democratic officials against hate and bigotry. In response, West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge also denounced the group’s actions, stating that divisive rhetoric has no place in the state.

The incident has sparked a conversation about the presence of hate groups in West Virginia and the need for unity in rejecting their messages. Governor Justice’s office has been contacted for comment on the matter.