Lauderdale Residents Disturbed To Find Nazi Flag In Neighbor's Yard

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- People in a Twin Cities suburb are upset over a flag in a neighbor's yard.

Last weekend, homeowners on Pleasant Street in Lauderdale noticed that a neighbor was flying a Nazi Swastika in his backyard. Despite complaints, the homeowner hasn't taken it down.

"It's just a nice, quiet, quaint place to live," Ben Holsen said.

For Holsen it still is. But a new, unwanted addition to his neighborhood is making noise.

"We kind of went over in the alley and yeah, there it is," said Holsen.

Just down the block from Holsen, a Nazi flag waves in the backyard. It's been there since last weekend.

"Disgust. I had a hard time sleeping last night to be honest with you," Holsen said. "His direct neighbor is Jewish. When they said they were worried and terrified and didn't feel safe in their own home, that's when I got disgusted even worse."

WCCO talked with the homeowner about the flag. He didn't want to do an interview on camera, but he did say: "It's America. I can do what I want."

And he's right -- city officials said they can't do anything about it. Forcing him to take it down would violate freedom of speech.

"Obviously, it's a First Amendment right," Holsen said.

But Holsen said it's his First Amendment right to make the public aware of it. He took to Facebook to let people know what's happening on his street. Within minutes, he received dozens of messages from friends and strangers upset about the flag.

"I hope he takes it down," Holsen said. "Look what the flag stands for. That particular flag stands for genocide and hate and it's not welcome in this community full of love."

We did talk with other neighbors about this flag. They didn't want to go on camera, but they did tell us they find it very offensive. Police records don't show any history of criminal activity coming from the home.