Nazi rally ends with no major violence

Toledo police escort Molly Nolan, a Neo-Nazis sympathizer during the rally in downtown.

The Blade/Jeremy Wadsworth
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A neo-Nazi rally staged today in downtown Toledo ended about 3:50 p.m. with about 20 arrests, but no significant violence.

About 50 members of the National Socialist Movement were part of a rally that started about 2:45 p.m. in front of Government Center.

The neo-Nazis were vastly outnumbered by police, protesters, and a crowd estimated at about 150. About 700 police officers were on hand to control the crowd.

As the white supremacists left the front of Government Center, protesters chanted, Don t come back! Don t come back!

During the rally, one of the neo-Nazis, speaking through a bullhorn, said, Why in the world are the opponents out her opposing us? We stand against gang violence and we stand up for the white race.

Protesters, meanwhile, shouted, Nazis, go! Nazis, go!

Anti-Nazis protesters demonstrate in front of the Government Center in downtown Toledo.

Police clad in riot gear and holding shields lined Jackson Street in front of the government building, which houses city, county, and state offices. Mounted officers moved through the crowd.

The neo-Nazia returned to Toledo after its planned march on Oct. 15 was cancelled after sparking a riot in North Toledo.

Friday, a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge granted city officials an injunction barring assembly by the neo-Nazis anywhere other than the designated protest area.

Read more in later editions of The Blade or toledoblade.com.