Site of neo-Nazi rally could change

Officials say a concert is already scheduled at City Hall that day.

The location of the planned “white rights” rally could change to the front lawn of the Joint Law Enforcement Center because of a scheduling conflict at Rome City Hall, City Clerk Joe Smith said.

The rally planned by the National Socialist Movement was supposed to happen in front of City Hall on April 23, but Smith said the Rome Symphony Orchestra has already booked the auditorium for that evening.

Rome police Maj. Debbie Burnett said she received a request from the group Tuesday morning to have the rally at the law enforcement center across from the Historic Floyd County Courthouse on West Fifth Avenue.

“I have just started the review process and, at this point, I don’t see a reason to deny,” Burnett said.

Burnett had previously said any group — regardless of political affiliation — would be approved as long as they comply with the city ordinances.

The RSO concert that evening will celebrate the 100th birthday of the Rome City Auditorium, Smith said. The concert will also feature the winners of the Young Artists competition and Mendelssohn’s fourth symphony — The Italian Symphony. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

The law enforcement center is just a block behind City Hall, 601 Broad St.