Danbury officials publicly condemned a white supremacist rally that took place Saturday night in front of the city police headquarters. Mayor Roberto Alves called the masked demonstrators “cowards” and said the gathering has no place in the “Hat City.”
Rally details and community response
The group, identified as “Northeast Action,” chanted “white power” and displayed a banner reading “Keep New England White” while performing Nazi salutes as they marched down Main Street. The participants used the messaging app Telegram to spread false claims that illegal immigrants can serve as police officers in Danbury.
State Senator Julie Kushner (D) noted that the Nazi salute evokes painful memories of the Holocaust and described the event as an attempt to terrorize the community. State Representative Raghib Allie‑Brennan (D) echoed the condemnation, calling the rally “disturbing” and emphasizing that Danbury does not belong to any one race.
Local officials and community leaders speak out
Mayor Alves, the city council, and the Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour all issued statements rejecting the hate‑filled demonstration. Chief Ridenhour said the department does not condone or support any organization that promotes racism or bigotry.
State Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R) also denounced the incident, calling it “disgusting and disgraceful” and urging zero tolerance for hate.
Immigrant‑rights groups react
Local immigrant‑support organizations, including Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity and Greater Danbury Area United for Immigrants, condemned the rally and pledged to protect the city’s immigrant community. “We love you. You are what makes this city great, and we will do everything in our power to protect you,” said spokesperson Gina Romano.
The rally follows recent ICE detentions in Danbury, which have spurred multiple pro‑immigrant demonstrations. City officials emphasized that the recent city‑council vote expanding police hiring to DACA recipients and long‑term residents was lawful and aimed at strengthening public safety.
Police investigation
Danbury police explained that because the rally occurred on a public sidewalk, no criminal charges were filed at this time, but the department is continuing its investigation. NBC Connecticut reached out to the group on Telegram but has not received a response.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
