Nazi hate in SD: ‘Call it out for what it is’

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — If pictures of a swastika at the South Dakota state capitol or in Deadwood disturb you, you’re far from alone.

“What we know about this group and why they were showing up in South Dakota had to do with the state and its leadership in combating antisemitism,” said David Goldenberg, Midwest regional director for the Anti-Defamation League . “And look, they’ve made it very clear why they were there: their hateful ways, their antisemitic beliefs, that they’re ultimately trying to instill fear through intimidation and hate.”

Goldenberg, who oversees several states including South Dakota for the Anti-Defamation League, says a neo-Nazi organization called the Blood Tribe is responsible for the demonstrations in Pierre and Deadwood on Saturday.

“We take them at their word as far as them taking credit for it, and they have taken credit for these demonstrations,” Goldenberg said. “And so look, it’s disgusting, it’s hateful.”

“I hate to see the resurgence of that type of ideology that comes about,” South Dakota State Auditor Rich Sattgast said. “It doesn’t match with the people of South Dakota. I think we’re a very inviting people.”

Sattgast was in Deadwood on Saturday where he and his wife joined a counter-protest.

“Number one, to voice our opinion that we disagreed with their message and their ideology, and in addition to that I wanted to also ensure that violence did not break out,” Sattgast said.

Both he and Goldenberg are steadfast in speaking out.

“I’ve always tried to spread the message that if we don’t stand up who will, and it’s important for us to voice our opinion, not just be spectators in this and watch them spread this type of hate,” Sattgast said.

“It is so important for us to recognize this type of hate and this type of antisemitism and call it out for what it is,” Goldenberg said.

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