PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) On Saturday a group of masked individuals marched through Pierre and Deadwood and displayed Nazi symbolism. The Neo-Nazi group called the “Blood Tribe” claimed responsibility for leading the marches in South Dakota as they have in many areas across the country
The Blood Tribe is led by ex-Marine Christopher Pohlhaus, who was seen walking in front of the rest of the group in Pierre and leading chants. Followers call him “The Hammer.” The South Dakota Highway Patrol peacefully removed the group off of the capitol grounds because they did not have a permit to demonstrate.
Senator Mike Rounds called the gathering “disgusting” and said it had no place in South Dakota. Congressman Dusty Johnson added that it was “atrocious”.
It is unclear what the purpose of the Nazi protest was. The legislature is not in session, so it wasn’t a demonstration for or against pending legislation. Saturday wasn’t a Nazi holiday, like Hitler’s birthday which is April 20th for example. There have been no liberal demonstrations, like Black Lives Matter, that the group might have been reacting to. It’s a mystery as to why now and what for this protest was about or in aid of.