A group of extremists unfurled a Nazi flag during an apparent rally on the steps of the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.
The incident took place on Saturday, the Ministry of Public Security confirmed to the Argus Leader.
Photos taken by onlookers and shared on social media show a group of at least 15 people wearing red shirts, black masks and black pants standing outside the entrance to the Capitol as three Nazi supporters held the flag.
DPS spokesman Brad Reiners told the Argus Leader that the group did not have a permit to organize the attempted rally. Reiners added that South Dakota Highway Patrol officers ordered them to disperse, which they immediately complied with.
Reiners said the group was singing something at the scene, but it is not known at this time exactly what they said. It is also not known how long they had been there.
No charges have been filed in connection with the event, he said.
Government Kristi Noem discussed the situation on her personal X account.
“Nazis are not welcome here in South Dakota,” Noem wrote. “We stand on the shoulders of generations of Americans who have fought for the freedom of all – here and abroad. We stand for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We reject all hatred and Nazis. Period.”
The exhibition takes place two days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal battle against Axis forces during World War II. According to the US Department of Defense, approximately 2,400 Americans were killed during the Normandy Beach landings.
State House Majority Leader Will Mortenson, who lives in Fort Pierre, a city adjacent to the state capital, also commented on the situation, saying, “I don’t know what rock they crawled out from under, but they are not welcome here. . Time to move on.”
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Extremists fly Nazi flag in front of South Dakota State Capitol
