SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Several members of a New Jersey white supremacy group crashed New Jersey's largest and oldest Labor Day procession, the town's mayor said Tuesday.
South Plainfield Mayor Matthew Anesh said in a statement that the European Heritage Association "was not part of the parade and was not a registrant of the parade."
The organization, which the Anti-Defamation League classifies as a hate group, crashed the parade wearing American flag masks and sunglasses to shield their identities while carrying a large banner that called for border closings, NJ.com reported.
Anesh said the town's police department "intervened" and treated members of the group as protesters.
"In no way shape of form did I, the Governing Body, the Public Celebrations Committee or any other group or organization in South Plainfield condone or welcome this group to the Parade," he added.
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The mayor said the parade on Monday was the first in nearly four years after being postponed by Tropical Storm Ida in 2021, canceled by COVID-19 in 2020 and canceled in 2019 due to a "security incident."
Despite the group's attempt, Anesh said the "excellent parade" was "enjoyed by thousands of residents and residents of neighboring communities."
He ended the statement by thanking the police "for intervening and keeping the day's activities safe for our residents and not allowing Labor Day to be marred by this group."
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