'Fascist Meetup' announcement sparks protests and expressions of support
Anti-fascist protesters organized rallies at the site of the proposed gathering; white nationalists signaled their support with plans to visit.
An announcement promoting a “Fascist Meetup” at a Manchester restaurant drew reactions from groups who protested the event and others who supported it. The meetup, billed as a gathering that would “spark thought-provoking conversations and inspire action towards our shared goals,” was scheduled to take place earlier this month at the SoHo Bistro & Lounge.
The invitation featured graphics with a mashup of a German Reichsadler and the rattlesnake from a Gadsden Flag with the caption: “I tread where I fucking please.” It was posted on Meetup.com by “Chloe,” widely believed to be Chloe Sowers, the owner of SoHo Bistro and a Free State Project participant who has previously been identified on social media as a “Holocaust denier and anti-Semite.”
A message posted on Soho’s Facebook page a few days later appeared to address the ensuing controversy and confirm the restaurant’s involvement. “We are comprised of many different faiths and ethnicities and only strive for good vibes. We are sorry for any perceived hostility observers may have felt. … SoHo Bistro & Lounge is more than one individual. … We are actively taking steps to address these concerns internally and externally…”
In response to the meetup post, a Manchester anti-fascist group organized a series of protests outside the SoHo Bistro. The first was held on October 3, the day that the meetup had originally been scheduled to take place. “Until accountability is taken by the owner of SoHo, and SoHo publicly states that n*zis are not welcome,” the organizer wrote on social media, “please join in a peaceful protest of SoHo's now deleted event for a fash meetup.”
Organizers claimed that about 30 people attended the rally—including SoHo staff members who left their posts to join the protest. “The employees stood in solidarity with us as we did with them against the owner. … They walked out and essentially shut it down for the couple hours we were there.” A second protest scheduled for the following week was canceled.
Come on down!
The meetup announcement drew a very different reaction from a local white nationalist group. After seeing the online reports, New England White Network leader Ryan Murdough posted a message of support on Gab. "The New England White Network supports Chloe Sowers and her right to hold ‘fascist meetups’ at her business.” he wrote. “Not only are Fascists welcome in New England, we belong here, and we will go wherever we want. All pro-Whites in New England should visit the Soho Bistro and Lounge and celebrate fascism."
The next day, Murdough emailed the restaurant. “I’m trying to get in touch with Chloe. I saw a thread on Reddit that was targeting her and I wanted to introduce myself,” he wrote. “I know a little bit about being attacked by anti-Whites and liberal scumbags. A few of us would like to come down to your place sometime and grab a bite to eat.”
Murdough said he received a brief reply, which he posted on Gab: “Sure! Come on down!” After receiving that response, Murdough posted a second message. “Members of NEWN plan on setting up a time to visit the establishment in the next few weeks,” he wrote, “and if all goes well, possibly make it an official NEWN meeting location.”
