Sunday, June 14, 2009

AZ: Gordon, Arpaio Spar over Neo-Nazi Allegations

by Mike Sunnucks
Phoenix Business Journal
June 11, 2009

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is questioning Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio over possible links to far-right extremists and wants Arpaio to denounce neo-Nazis.

Gordon says that neo-Nazi activists have been photographed with Arpaio at anti-immigration rallies, according to KTAR 92.3 FM.

Arpaio dismissed Gordon’s calls, saying he is not allied with neo-Nazis and far right extremists.

Gordon’s call comes on the heels of the Holocaust shooting that involved a far-right extremist and a recent Phoenix New Times story that showed Arpaio talking to and posing for pictures with anti-immigration protestors at recent rally.

Some of those protestors who posed and talked to the Sheriff were later shown giving Nazi salutes during the rally.

Arpaio said Gordon wants to neuter his enforcement of immigration laws.

“I do not support any neo-Nazi hate groups. He knows it,” Arpaio told KTAR and other media outlets. “I don’t have to apologize because I never have been connected with any of these associations, and the people know that.”

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/06/08/daily54.html

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