Bibb County deputies say a Florida man is under arrest following a protest outside a Macon temple.
Investigators say people in the area of Temple Beth Israel on Cherry St. called the sheriff's office over a disturbance in front of the temple on Friday evening.
Deputies say neighbors reported a group of protesters gathered in front of the temple shouting obscene language. Deputies say the callers also reported the group used a Pride flag to hang a blowup doll from a stop sign.
Once on scene, deputies ordered the group to disburse. However, investigators say Jon Eugene Minadeo II, 40, of West Palm Beach, Fla., ignored their commands and kept using a bullhorn to shout obscenities.
The advocacy organization fighting antisemitism - StopAntisemitism - has followed the antisemitic antics of Jon Minadeo and his neo-Nazi group, the Goyim Defense League. The league travels the country distributing hateful flyers targeting the Jewish communities.
Jon Minadeo II - leader of the white supremacist group ‘Goyim Defense League’ (GDL) - was arrested last night after causing a disturbance outside of Temple Beth Israel in Macon, GA
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) June 24, 2023
Minadeo - seen here smiling in his mugshot - is behind hundreds of flyer campaigns vilifying Jews pic.twitter.com/pOFNT1HwGE
Investigators say Minadeo's continued rants blamed the Jewish community for government discord and homosexuality.
Because he refused to stop shouting in the bullhorn, Bibb deputies say they charged Minadeo with disorderly conduct and public disturbance.
Investigators say once they arrested Minadeo, the rest of the group dispersed, and no other arrests were made.
Antisemitic materials were recently discovered in Warner Robins as well. Police there say they are working with multiple agencies to investigate.
Following the incidents in both Warner Robins and Macon, U.S. Attorney Leary released the following statement to WGXA News:
The events in Macon and Warner Robins targeting the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities are deeply troubling. I strongly condemn acts to intimidate and threaten people based on their faith, race, ancestry, or LGBTQ+ identity. Our office will defend the civil rights of all citizens.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has also issued the following statement to WGXA News following the incidents in Macon and Warner Robins:
Georgia’s Jewish community will never be intimidated by antisemitism. Today, as symbols of genocide were paraded in front of synagogues, we continue to stand strong, proud, and unbowed. All Georgians are united in our rejection of bigotry and hate.