Pro-Nazi Literature, Confederate Flags Sold at Gun Show at Westchester County Center: Lawmakers

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Democratic Westchester County Legislators expressed disappointment that pro-Nazi literature and Confederate flags were sold on the floor of the County Center during the gun show that took place over the weekend.

Photographs of the offending items were shown Saturday to members of the Democratic Caucus.

The Firearm and Knife show was controversial in that Democratic legislators and many Westchester residents wanted the county to ban gun shows on county-owned property.

A bill banning gun shows was passed but was vetoed by County Executive Robert Astorino.

Legislator Ken Jenkins, D-Yonkers, who wrote the law that would have barred gun shows from county property, said that symbols of hate have no place in the county much less for sale on county property.

“Pro-Nazi literature and images promoting secession are intended to breed hatred, not bring us together,” he said.

“We as a county should stand for ideals that promote unity,” Jenkins said. “Using our facilities to promote the sale of these images only further serves to divide us,” he said.

Astorino’s office did not respond to a request for a comment.

Legislator MaryJane Shimsky, D-Hastings-on-Hudson, said that the county has seen numerous instances of vandalism involving swastikas recently.

“The county executive himself stood at the sites of these acts of vandalism and said that he will not tolerate in [them] in Westchester County,” she said.

“Sponsoring and using county resources to host the sale of these images sends the clear message that Westchester County not only tolerates but encourages the promotion of these symbols,” Shimsky said.

Photos submitted.