Barricades placed at city synagogues in case of march
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Concrete barricades placed near synagogues in the city were coordinated by city police, confirmed an individual associated with the Jewish worship centers Thursday.
Their placement is a preemptive action in light of a potential neo-Nazi march Saturday.
In all, 45 barricades were placed at intersections, alleyways and parking lots.
Although now allowing for traffic to pass, the 4-by-1-foot concrete barricades, which stand roughly a foot high, are able to be moved by machinery to block many access points to Temple Beth Ha Sholom and Ohev Sholom Congregation by vehicle.
City police did not respond before publication, and did not confirm if they had received further communication from the National Socialist Movement, the neo-Nazi group which had previously hinted at marching in the city after a permit to gather in Brandon Park was denied due to the pandemic.
On June 8, Commander Burt Colucci, of the NSM, said his organization did not intend on holding any activities in the city.
"Anything pertaining to Williamsport has been permanently canceled," he said. "We will still be having our National Conference in Ulysses, Pa., on July 17 and 18."
A rally was also being planned in Erie on Saturday if it could be completed safely, he said.
The website associated with NSM instructs members to follow that plan as of publication.
Mayor Derek Slaughter, the public works department and city police did not respond to inquiries.
County and state law enforcement officials said they were unaware of the barricades.