Hamilton Police say white supremacist group gathered at city hall

Hamilton Police say they are aware of an unscheduled protest at city hall involving a group identified as a white supremacist organization.

The Hamilton Police Service said officers attended the area on Sunday but the individuals had dispersed before police arrived.

There were no reports of criminal activity connected to the gathering.

“The Hamilton Police Service recognizes the impact incidents like this can have on our community,” police said in a media release. “Hate has no place in Hamilton, and we do not tolerate it in any form. Acts that target individuals based on sexual orientation, race, religion, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic will not be tolerated in our community.”

Mayor Andrea Horwath also condemned the gathering in a statement issued Sunday.

“I am deeply disturbed to learn that a white supremacist organization descended upon Hamilton City Hall for a gathering glorifying hate,” she said. “As mayor, let me be clear: this, in and of itself, is a blatant act of hate. It is deeply offensive and goes against everything Hamilton stands for. It is completely unacceptable and has no place in our city — now or ever.”

Horwath called the incident “an affront to our community.”

“Incidents like this threaten the sense of safety, dignity and belonging that every Hamiltonian deserves,” she said. “...Hamilton will not be a platform for hate. We will respond together in solidarity and with an unwavering commitment to one another.”

Horwath said she has spoken with Hamilton Police and will be meeting with community leaders.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.