Social media video posted online shows dozens of people holding shields and at least two different flags, including Patriot Front flags and upside-down US flags. Last month, a group believed to be affiliated with the Patriot Front was arrested after authorities said they planned to riot at a Pride event in Idaho. In a letter posted on Facebook, City Councilman Ed Flynn expressed regret over the Patriot Front’s repeated presence at events in Boston over the past year. “It is absolutely disgusting to read reports again, and see videos on social media, of dozens of neo-Nazis making another brazen public display of their abhorrent ideology,” Flynn said. “While all people of good will and decency are both angered and extremely disturbed by the increased activity we continue to see from neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups locally, we can no longer say we are surprised at what we continue to see in the whole country, unfortunately”. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu echoed the sentiment, tweeting that “disgusting white supremacist hate has no place here,” especially “when so many of our rights are under attack, we will not normalize bullying by bigots.” “As we mark Boston’s legacy as the cradle of freedom, we celebrate the ongoing battle to expand those freedoms for all,” the mayor added. Robert Trestan, director of the Anti-Defamation League New England, said on Twitter that “Patriotic Front marching alongside the Freedom Trail over the 4th of July holiday weekend is an insult to all who fought for freedom, equality, justice ».
