MADISON – On July 29, local community members hosted a pride event and drag show in Watertown, Wisconsin. Among other anti-LGBTQ+ groups, a Neo-Nazi group armed with rifles and carrying swastika flags chose to protest this community celebration with hateful and violent threats, including chanting “There will be blood, blood, blood.” The Wisconsin Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus released the following statement:
“The hate and violent threats on display on Saturday in Watertown cannot be tolerated. We condemn these statements and the lies that they are based on.
“This kind of hatred grows when it is tolerated by our political leaders. We are deeply disturbed that Rep. Barbara Dittrich and Rep. Janel Brandtjen chose to post about other protests at the event without any mention of the violent threats on display. When you find yourself aligned with Neo-Nazis, it is time to re-evaluate your choices. We call on Reps. Dittrich and Brandtjen to disavow violent threats against Wisconsinites, and to make clear that hatred and Neo-Nazis have no place in our state.
“We also extend our sympathy and support to those in Watertown that were coming together to celebrate Pride in their community. No matter what, we will continue to defy hate, intolerance, and violence in Wisconsin.”
