On August 16th, 2025 at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, a “white power” protest took place. A group of people (exact number unknown) were seen dressed fully in black. Some holding black flags that had red swastikas printed on them, and others reportedly armed, the protesters brazenly marched downtown chanting “white power” while performing Nazi salutes. Police cars were following them closely to keep nearby pedestrians safe from any rifle-induced danger. 

This appalling protest has sparked discourse on the definition of free speech and how it should be used. It, along with any others of its nature, is protected by the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment, meaning that the police can not shut it down or arrest its participants. However, there are certain circumstances where demonstrations can become illegal, like if a threat is made or if there is dangerous activity.

I spoke to artist Sylvia Thomas, who was at Monument Circle teaching a zine workshop while the neo-Nazi protest occurred.

How would you describe the protest?

“The protest was a blip that went by extremely quickly. A small group of men cowardly power-walked through the streets of Monument Circle. They had their faces covered, like many people on the wrong side of history. They had rifles, but didn’t look like they knew how to properly hold them. They were very loud as they chanted, ‘White Power! White Power!’”

How did this scene make you feel?

“It made me feel taken aback a bit; I was confused. I heard them before I saw them. When I heard them, I was worried at first because I didn’t know how many people were with them. Then, once I saw how small and short the group of men were, I just thought it was sad. They walked by so fast it felt like a scroll of a video on social media. Everyone around me continued what they were doing and so did I. 

“Many people who weren’t there talked about the videos and pictures of them and how scary it must have been, but we chose to continue what we were doing despite our worry. Considering the political landscape of our country, it felt more like a reminder of a scar than a fresh wound of pain.”

Do you think this protest should have been handled differently?

“I think they should not have protested. I was just in Berlin, Germany where the Nazi swastika has a complex, serious history and is illegal to use. I wonder if any of the men who protested with that symbol have been to Germany. I wonder if any of them know that as you walk through the city, you can see how that symbol caused mass destruction everywhere. Only people who want to be “right” about their beliefs or opinions protest without engaging in dialogue. They are not people who want to learn how to build a community.”

Protests like this fall on a very thin line. It allows the spreading of hate speech, but remains legal under the First Amendment and therefore cannot be shut down. With this type of expression becoming more and more regular, it is important to not let it become normalized and continue to fight back against it.