No “Free Speech” for Fascists: Neo-Nazis Shut Down in Sacramento

[ Nazi salute on the South Steps of the Capitol building in Sacramento, California in front of a permanently closed entrance. June 26, 2016. ]

No “Free Speech” for Fascists: Neo-Nazis Shut Down in Sacramento

Text from It's Going Down
Photos by Bradley Allen

On June 26, 2016, over 400 anti-fascists converged at the Sacramento State Capitol to shut down the Golden State Skinheads (GSS) who were representing for the Traditional Worker Party (TWP).

Members of other neo-Nazi groups were largely no shows, although two members of Blood and Honor were in attendance (and were quickly left behind by GSS) they were promptly ejected. A live streamer/reporter for fascist media outlet Red Ice Creations was also sneaking around the capital; the stream was shut down and they were ejected. Matthew Heimbach, leader of the TWP was noticeably not in attendance and instead sat at home on his computer and made commentary over the livestream and declared victory while his troops were running to their cars.

While a much more in depth and bigger report on this is sure to come soon, what can be said in short is that after having almost two months to build for a large mobilization the neo-Nazis and white nationalists could only muster about 15-20 people on their side. For anti-fascists, working between crews, organizations, and cities, we manifested a massive turn out in about half of the time. The crowd was racially and political diverse and had a strong showing of militant queer and trans people. There was also a huge turnout of poor and working class whites as well as punx and traditional anti-racist skinheads who also threw the fuck down. The crowd was militant and dedicated to shutting down the rally while doing an amazing job of taking care of each other. Folks on the street after the clashes shook hands with people and commended the black bloc for acting with courage and bravery.

The neo-Nazis were not able to march and they did not have a rally. They were total failures. GSS couldn't make it through the front and so they snuck around the back before being ejected. Everyone from GSS, to fascist media outlet Red Ice Radio, to unaffiliated white supremacists were shut down. GSS acted from a place of desperation; Anti-Fascists operated from a place of strength. Antifa had shut down all their other options and minimized what they could do. Hundreds of people held the West Steps of the Capitol and clashed with both neo-Nazis and police. TWP/GSS after being confronted then quickly ran to their cars several blocks away and sped off.

While the crowd accomplished what it set out to do, it came at a high cost. In the confrontation, several people suffered stab wounds and other trauma.

Many of the injured were fighting to break free from Class, Gender, and Racial oppression that shape the American colonialist reality.

How To Support Those Injured In #NoNazisInSac Shut Down

We [It’s Going Down] are compiling this list of ways that people can help:

1. Donate to the Medical Fund:
   If you can, please donate to the bail and medical fund. Anything helps and you can also share the link on social media. Go there at: https://rally.org/June26th
2. Throw a Benefit:
   Several groups are already planning benefit events in several locations. Host an event, discussion, or party to raise funds. "Welcome to Leith" is available online if you are looking for a film to show. We also recommend getting in contact with a local anti-fascist speaker or holding a discussion about how these struggles are linked to what is happening in your area.
3. Drop a Banner or Hold a Rally:
   Drop a banner in a public place, take a picture, and send in report to itsgoingdown.org. Hold a rally or demonstration, hand out flyers and talk with people about how what happened in Sacramento was a victory against fascism and white supremacy and why we should support the people that were injured fighting. These acts of solidarity with help build people's spirits and show that our struggles are connected.
4. Send a Card of Support:
   Want to send a message to anti-fascists who are dealing with injuries? You can send messages of support to:Sacramento Prisoner Support PO Box 163126 Sacramento, CA 95816
5. Take Action Against Fascism In Your Area:
   Organize, confront, and combat fascism and white nationalism in your area. Let us build from this mobilization and sweep the fascists off the streets. ¡No pasarán!
6. Print out and Put Up Solidarity Posters:
   Download posters ("Nazi Scum Your Time Has Come" & "Support the AntiFascists") and place them around where you live, work, or go to school. Take pictures and send them to itsgoingdown.org.