Jewish Nashville residents have been terrorized over the past two weeks by a surge of neo-Nazi activity, including marches, physical assaults, and the distribution of antisemitic pamphlets.
This uptick in violence, reported by Jewish groups, law enforcement, and local politicians, is part of a troubling pattern of extremist groups from outside the city targeting Nashville throughout the year.
On Wednesday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville warned on Facebook that a neo-Nazi group would persist in the area for several days. Nashville Metropolitan Police Department Chief John Drake indicated that this group is likely operating from a short-term rental in Scottsville, Kentucky.
Rabbi Dan Horowitz of the Nashville Jewish Federation mentioned at a City Council meeting that multiple groups have been visiting Nashville, with at least two responsible for recent attacks. Drake has deployed officers to monitor these demonstrations and advised residents to avoid engaging with the protesters, who are filming for propaganda purposes.
Drake emphasized that while Nazi speech falls under First Amendment protections, law enforcement will promptly act when laws are violated.
* The Jerusalem Post has contributed to this article.
