Nashville leaders condemn neo-Nazi march

Leaders from across the political spectrum are condemning a group of neo-Nazis who marched through downtown Nashville on Saturday.

Driving the news: The group carried flags with swastikas. Photographs on social media showed them at the state Capitol and Public Square Park.

• "Some persons on Broadway challenged the group, most of whom wore face coverings," Nashville police said in a statement, per NBC News. "The group headed to a U-Haul box truck, got in, and departed Davidson County."

What they're saying: Gov. Bill Lee, U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, state lawmakers and Metro officials released statements expressing outrage.

• Mayor Freddie O'Connell said police were working with faith and community leaders "to ensure people are safe."

"Our nation spent significant blood and treasure during World War II to rid the world of the wicked and murderous ideology of Nazism," Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said yesterday in a statement.

• "To see this hate resurface on the streets of our state capital was horrific. Those thugs do not represent Tennessee values and they are not welcome here — ever."

The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville said the march was "painful to many in our community."

• "It is another example of the alarming increase in antisemitic and hate activity in our state."

The latest: Faith leaders and elected officials spoke out against the demonstration at a gathering yesterday.