Uptown Diner fires 2 employees over Nazi uniform photos

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The Uptown Diner confirmed in a Facebook post that two employees who appeared in photos with Nazi uniforms and white supremacist flags no longer work at the popular Minneapolis restaurant.

“It has recently come to our attention that two employees have posed for pictures in Nazi garb,” Uptown Diner posted. “This is severely troubling, especially in the light of tragic events in Charlottesville over the weekend. The Uptown Diner unequivocally repudiates the beliefs and ideals of neo-Nazis and white supremacy. The employment of these two individuals is currently under review. For 27 years, we have operated and continue to operate our restaurant as an inclusive meeting place for the entire community of Uptown Minneapolis. We are currently reviewing our policies and procedures to continue to improve how we can best honor our values as an inclusive and diverse part of the community. We happily welcome everyone to enjoy our food and the company of our community. We look forward to serving you.”

The restaurant later updated its post to confirm “these individuals are no longer employed at the Uptown Diner,” adding, “The Uptown Diner unequivocally denounces the beliefs and ideals of neo-Nazis and white supremacy. Hate and bigotry have no place in society. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment at our restaurant and in our community.”

On Saturday, Aug. 12, hundreds of protesters gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia in opposition to what was estimated to be the largest gathering of white supremacists in a decade. Neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members were among the crowd that came to Charlottesville for a rally against the city's decision to remove a Confederate monument.

Clashes between white supremacists and counter-protesters erupted before the demonstration at Emancipation Park even started. Police forced the crowd to disperse, but violent clashes between the two sides continued on city streets. A Dodge Challenger, allegedly driven by 20-year-old white supremacist James Alex Fields Jr. of Ohio, barreled into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing 32-year-old was a Charlottesville resident Heather Heyer.

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