Concord police investigate altercation during march

CONCORD, N.H. —

Police are continuing to investigate an altercation that took place over the weekend while a group carrying a flag with a swastika on it marched through Concord.

Concord police said they’re reviewing several videos of the incident, in which an altercation broke out Saturday afternoon between the group and a bystander.

The group of about 20 people dressed in red shirts, wore masks and carried a flag with a swastika on it.

“I would say they’re cowards because they had the masks on,” said Jonathan George, of Concord. “They couldn’t even go out without that. I don’t think Concord needs that right now.”

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Police said they’re trying to identify everyone who was involved.

“I was shocked,” said Rabbi Robin Nafshi of Temple Beth Jacob. “Why would a Nazi group just come into Concord?”

The presence of the group has rattled many, especially members of Concord’s Jewish community.

“We have to recognize that there are people who are trying to call attention to themselves and send a message that is not welcome anywhere,” Nafshi said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights group, is also condemning the group’s message.

“Even bigots have the right to free speech, but everyone else, the vast majority of Americans, has the right to speak out against their hatred and bigotry,” said Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director for CAIR.

Those who call Concord home said the group is not representative of their community.

“Freedom of speech, but don’t force your beliefs on other people,” said Laurie Weston, of Concord. “Do it peacefully.”

Concord police are asking anyone with additional video of the march or the altercation to come forward as they work to identify those involved.