http://www.overthrow.com/lsn/news.asp?articleID=10552

ANSWP In Legal Battle In Toledo
Yes, We Will Fight It

7/28/2007 9:16:48 AM
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Overthrow Staff

Toledo, Ohio -- [Bill: Unfortunately, I have an extra eighty grand sitting in the bank right now, so if the City of Toledo tries to stop Justin from doing whatever he is planning there, we will fight it.
I have no idea what this nonsense is about concealed weapon permits and the like. Ohio law prohibits the carrying of a concealed firearm during a march or protest.]

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070728/NEWS08/707280372/-1/NEWS

Article published Saturday, July 28, 2007
Neo-Nazis say they'll march here

By IGNAZIO MESSINA
and LAREN WEBER

Blade Staff WriterS

Members of a neo-Nazi group, some of whom apparently have permits to carry concealed firearms, said yesterday they will march next month through the same North Toledo neighborhood where a demonstration in 2005 sparked a riot.

The leader of the Ohio chapter of the American National Socialist Workers' Party said he will arrive Aug. 17 with up to 20 people in uniforms that include swastika armbands to distribute literature.

"There are two different goals to show the blacks we are not scared and we will go anywhere they will go," said Justin Boyer, who lives in central Ohio but would not give a specific location.

"The second goal is to show whites in the neighborhoods that they shouldn't be afraid of black crime."

Toledo Councilman Michael Ashford, whose district includes the north-end neighborhood, encouraged people to ignore the group and stay home when it comes to "spread hate."

"We have to understand that their purpose is to spew hate," Mr. Ashford said. "We don't want an incident like last time … that got completely out of control."

City leaders, learning Wednesday night of the group's intention, moved to prevent violence similar to the riot that erupted Oct. 15, 2005, when neo- Nazis tried to march in the vicinity of Woodward High School and Wilson Park.

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and police Chief Mike Navarre refused to comment yesterday.

A written statement from city hall released yesterday to The Blade said: "Today, we learned that the American National Socialist Workers Party plans to come to Toledo on Friday, August 17 to distribute literature. Mayor Finkbeiner will use any and all legal means to restrict whether, where, and/or when this action will occur."

Brian Schwartz, the mayor's spokesman, said Chief Navarre called Mr. Boyer yesterday to warn him the city would seek to get an injunction to "restrict the group's activities."

Mr. Boyer confirmed the conversation and said he is undeterred and plans to arrive at noon Aug. 17. "Either way, I'm still going to hand out flyers," he said. "Since they said they were going to be doing an injunction, I am going to do a rally now."

The violence in 2005 began with a rally by the National Socialist Movement, but quickly escalated into a situation that forced police to cancel the neo- Nazi group's planned march. Counterdemonstrators, largely from out of town, antagonized the situation. Crowds attacked emergency workers, burned down a bar, and looted two convenience stores. Police shot back with tear gas and more than 100 people were arrested.

The National Socialist Movement returned to Toledo two months later and held a rally on a Sunday outside Government Center - which was surrounded by a large and well-equipped law enforcement presence as well as yards of fencing designed to keep the neo-Nazis and those opposed to their presence separated.

Terry Glazer, chief executive officer of United North, said he believed the city will not allow a rally or march. "If it's a march or rally and it's in a neighborhood, it can cause danger to people," he said. "They have a right to do it, but it has to be in a location that has to be safe and controlled."

Contact Ignazio Messina at:
imessina@theblade.com
or 419-724-6171.