(TJV) WLNS reports that people waving Nazi flags were seen in two Mid-Michigan locations, including outside a Jewish-themed play. The disturbing scenes unfolded as the Fowlerville Community Theater performed The Diary of Anne Frank Saturday night. Individuals carrying flags with swastikas gathered in front of the American Legion Post in Howell, where a performance took place to promote understanding amid rising antisemitism.

Howell American Legion member Laura Goldtwait, the post commander, expressed dismay at the group’s apparent aim to intimidate. “I’m at a loss, honestly—both personally and as an organization,” she said.

The incident deeply affected cast member Becky Frank, who played Anne Frank’s mother. “It was upsetting,” Frank shared. “Just knowing the character I was playing, and the research I did on my character.”

Director Brandon Johnson echoed the sentiment, saying he had never encountered such behavior in connection with his work. “It kind of, uh, surprised me to have something I was doing, with my name on it, protested,” Johnson said. The theater group had been performing the play for two weeks prior to the incident.

Witnesses report the group later relocated to downtown Fowlerville. One passerby, Alex Sutfill, said he called the police after spotting masked men displaying swastika and American flags. “They were sticking their arms up and yelling ‘Heil Hitler’ and ‘Heil Trump,’” Sutfill recounted.

Peter Damerow, who confronted the group, said they told him to “go back to his country.” Damerow believes the display was influenced by recent political rhetoric. “They felt comfortable enough to do this because of Trump’s reelection,” he said.

The unsettling events did not prevent the Fowlerville Community Theater from completing their performan