Danbury, Conn. – Mayor Roberto Alvez publicly condemned a small white‑supremacist rally that took place on a street corner just outside the city’s police headquarters on Saturday. A video posted to social media shows roughly a dozen masked individuals holding a sign that reads “Keep New England White” while a voice can be heard shouting “White power.”
Mayor’s response
Alvez stressed that while the First Amendment protects free speech, the city will not tolerate hate‑filled intimidation. “We’re also entitled to stand up against them and call them the cowards they are,” the mayor said. “This is why they come in masks. It might not be a white sheet and a white hood anymore; the KKK is a black mask and T‑shirts now, but it’s the exact same thing.”
He added that the participants wore masks to hide their identities from family, neighbors, and employers, indicating they knew their actions were wrong. “Because they know what they’re doing is wrong and they are cowards for that. It is meant to drive fear in a diverse community, but we are not scared. We will stand united,” Alvez affirmed.
Police investigation
Danbury police confirmed they are investigating the incident. According to the mayor, the rallygoers were present only for a few minutes before dispersing. No arrests were reported at the time of writing.
Community context
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Danbury following a series of ICE raids earlier this year, including an extensive operation in August that resulted in the detention of at least 70 individuals. Local immigrant‑rights group Danbury United for Immigrants linked the white‑supremacist gathering to broader anti‑immigrant sentiment. “It’s tied to the anti‑immigrant violence that we’re seeing across Connecticut and in the state,” said activist Carolina Bortoletto. “Those folks who came to Danbury on Saturday, their goal is to strike fear into a community.”
Mayor Alvez reiterated the city’s commitment to protect all residents, regardless of background, and urged community members to remain vigilant and report any further hate‑motivated activity.
City’s stance on hate and safety
In a statement released after the rally, the Danbury City Hall office emphasized that hate crimes have no place in the city. “Our law‑enforcement partners are dedicated to safeguarding public safety and ensuring that any illegal activity is addressed swiftly and fairly,” the statement read.
Local faith leaders and family groups have also voiced support for the mayor’s condemnation, highlighting the importance of unity and the protection of traditional family values in the face of extremist threats.
The city encourages residents who witness suspicious or hateful behavior to contact the Danbury Police Department’s non‑emergency line or submit tips online.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
