Neo-Nazi group advertises meeting in Fresno. Police chief and sheriff say they’re aware
A white supremacist group plans a “meet & greet” later this month in Fresno, according to its website.
A Texas-based group called Aryan Freedom Network was touting the meeting for Jan. 28 though the time and location would only be provided upon request.
The group, which claims to have a Fresno chapter, did not immediately respond Thursday morning to requests for comment from The Bee.
It was not immediately clear if the meeting was to be held in the city or the surrounding area.
Fresno police, as well state and federal law enforcement, were aware of the meeting and planned to monitor the situation, according to Chief Paco Balderrama on Thursday morning.
“The Fresno Police Department will always balance ensuring our community’s safety through the enforcement of laws with the constitutional right to a freedom of speech,” he said in a statement. “Hate and fear, from anyone or any group, is unacceptable and criminal acts based upon hate and fear will not be tolerated in our city.”
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office also issued a statement. “We are aware of this event that’s been widely publicized. Details are vague at this point, but our detectives will continue to monitor any developments. If it should pose a risk to public safety, we will notify our community members.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center designates the Aryan Freedom Network as neo-Nazi, according to its website.
The Aryan group’s website says they do not support violence from their members, but has sections with titles like “race-mixing,” “Jew watch” and “Christian identity/Aryan Israel.”
It is also full of racist caricatures and racial slurs, especially against people who are Black or Jewish.
This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 11:30 AM.
