A rally in this city’s court house last night by the fascist National Renaissance Party, whose speakers blamed Jews and Negroes for “tearing down” the country, triggered a riot by Negroes throughout Newburgh. The rioting and looting continued all night and this morning. Windows of shops owned by Jews and Christians, including Negroes, were broken in the disorder which started during the NRP rally. About 25 Negroes had been arrested and there were some injuries and small fires, police authorities said.
There are about 700 Jewish families in Newburgh. Jewish and Negro organizations had fought in the courts to stop the NRP rally, but a permit was issued by a New York State Supreme Court judge. Once the permit was granted, Jewish and Negro organizations had agreed to stay away from the rally. However, several hundred residents, mostly Negroes, showed at the rally, and about 30 gained admittance to the court house.
Only 11 NRP members came to the rally, and all except one was from out of town. Some gun shots were fired during the night, and a policeman was injured.
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