KBIA

Neo-Nazi Group May Return to Columbia COLUMBIA, MO (KBIA) - A neo-Nazi group known as the National Socialist Movement, or NSM, is planning to march again in Columbia. The group last marched on March 10, 2007, also in Columbia. NSM organizers say this march will focus on the issue of illegal immigration. KBIA's Amy DiFrancesco has more.


The National Socialist Movement, or NSM, wants to march in downtown Columbia during the afternoon of November 8. Police denied the group's parade permit on September 2, but NSM National Director and Commander Jeff Schoep says the permit denial hasn't been confirmed. He says marchers will be coming to Columbia whether they receive a permit or not.

Basically, we don't need a permit. We can do a walking picket anywhere in the country as long as it's on public property. As long as you keep moving, it's a public it's a walking picket. You don't have to have a permit for that, so we plan on coming anyways.

If the group receives a permit, Schoep says the group will do a march. If the permit is denied again, he says the NSM will stage a walking picket. Schoep says the group is preparing for any potential police action against the marchers if a walking picket takes place.

If we are arrested for a walking picket, I will sue the city. We are putting money aside right now to make sure we've got lawyers to do that. If we are arrested that would be a precedent set like no where else in the nation for doing a walking picket. You cannot arrest someone for doing a walking picket. It is our legal right to do that.

Columbia City Manager Bill Watkins says the permit issue is still up in the air. He adds the city may schedule alternate events for the day, but no definite plans have been made. Columbia Interim Police Chief Tom Dresner said in a statement Monday that the final decision about the appeal of the NSM permit will be made public within the next few days.
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