Des Moines mayor, council and Human Rights Commission condemn Patriot Front march

Mayor Bozen read a statement on behalf of the mayor’s office and the Des Moines Human Rights Commission condemning a weekend march through the East Village by the Texas-based white supremacist group Patriot Front. "As your mayor, it is fundamental to me as well as my colleagues on city council and the Des Moines Human Rights Commission that we create a community culture that promotes peace, justice, and mutual respect," the mayor said.

The statement said the council and commission "vehemently disagree with the message and the misinformation conveyed by the Texas based white supremacist group Patriot Front" and described the group's actions as attempting "to advance their agenda of intolerance and prejudice while hiding from the repercussions of their action." The statement also acknowledged the group’s First Amendment rights while saying the city "denounce[s] the statement this group made and the hate filled rhetoric against our neighbors."

The mayor said both local and state law enforcement were made aware of residents’ concerns and that public safety would remain a priority. The statement also said Des Moines leaders "recognize and appreciate the bipartisan condemnation from political leaders across Iowa" and pledged the city would "do everything we can to make sure our community is safe and tolerant and we treat people with respect."

The remarks were given as an announcement near the start of the council meeting; no formal council vote was recorded on the statement. The mayor invited residents concerned about safety to contact appropriate city officials for assistance.

The council proceeded with its regular agenda after the announcement.