A small group of neo-Nazis rallied in Pierre, South Dakota, on Saturday afternoon, catching residents and state officials off guard.
Photos and videos sent to The Dakota Scout depict a group of men in matching outfits with covered faces, marching around the state Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Oahe Dam, and other areas in town. The demonstrators were heard chanting “sieg heil,” a phrase associated with Nazi Germany.
In response, Pierre police and highway patrol increased their presence in the area. State officials revealed that the group did not request a permit from the Bureau of Administration, which is typically required for events at the state Capitol.
Governor Kristi Noem condemned the rally on her Twitter account, confirming that the state had no prior knowledge of the group’s plans. “Today, Nazis attempted to rally at the SD Capitol without a permit and were escorted away by Highway Patrol officers,” Noem stated. “Nazis are not welcome here in South Dakota. We stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We reject all hatred and Nazis. Full stop.”
Local residents expressed their dismay at the rally. House Majority Leader and Fort Pierre resident Will Mortenson commented on X, “I don’t know what rock they crawled out from under, but they are not welcome here.”
The rally occurred two days after the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, which marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in World War II.