Neo-Nazis find themselves outnumbered in south Minneapolis

Last update: October 3, 2009 - 6:13 PM

A brief demonstration by four members of a neo-Nazi group in south Minneapolis Saturday morning drew far more counterprotesters, whose shouts quickly drowned out the brief chants from members of the small group.

The protesters, who call themselves members of the National Socialist Movement, were in the Twin Cities to protest an anti-white-supremacy workshop at the south Minneapolis YWCA. Counter-protesters, who spread the word among various groups that the neo-Nazis were coming, arrived armed with signs, and some with tomatoes with which they pelted the protesters.

After standing on the street south of the YWCA for about 30 minutes, the neo-Nazis -- all men -- were escorted to their car by Minneapolis police officers, followed by the 200 counterprotesters. The neo-Nazis declined to comment.

"Frankly, I'm surprised there are only four of them," said Jon Senum, 47. "I guess it's a good sign that maybe racism is on its way out."

ABBY SIMONS