In response to a neo-Nazi demonstration in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, residents have organized the Safety and Watch Program to protect the community. The program consists of armed volunteers who patrol the streets to ensure the safety of children going to school. This initiative was started after the police response to the neo-Nazi incident was deemed insufficient by residents. The volunteers also aim to address the history of underservice to the community by local municipalities.
The group operates under Ohio state law, which allows open carry without a permit for those legally allowed to own a gun. The volunteers, who are also members of an existing community empowerment organization called the Heights Movement, believe that their presence is necessary to protect themselves and their community.
While some residents are supportive of the program, others, including Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, express concerns about the potential for armed confrontations between residents and hate groups. She is calling for legislation that would make it illegal to wear a mask while openly carrying a gun for intimidation purposes.
Despite the mixed reactions to the program, members of the community feel safer with the volunteers patrolling the streets. They see it as a way to protect themselves and their families while upholding the history of the community’s resilience and self-governance.
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