Fliers promoting a white nationalist group have been seen all over downtown Bloomfield, sowing concern among residents and business owners.

On Friday, several town residents reported seeing fliers for a group called New Jersey European Heritage Association, defined as "a small, New Jersey-based white supremacist group" by the Anti-Defamation League, according to a town statement.

The group promotes racism, anti-Semitism and intolerance "under the guise of 'saving'" white European people from extinction, according to the ADL. Reports of the fliers prompted an immediate response from town officials.

“In the year 2019, we understand the term ‘European heritage’ to be a euphemism for White nationalism, bigotry, and intolerance of everyone else,' said Mayor Michael Venezia and Director of Public Safety Samuel DeMaio, in a joint statement. "Bloomfield is a wonderful town because of its great diversity, not in spite of it, and the person or persons who posted the White nationalist flyers, disguised as ‘European heritage,’ are fighting a losing battle."

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The white nationalist group labels itself a "grass-roots" organization on its website, and says it promotes its ideas "through flyering, banner drops, flash protests, and various other mediums," according to its website. The group also states that "non-Whites" have come to replace them.

In recent months, messages and symbols of hate have propagated throughout North Jersey, ranging from apparent pranks to threats. In November, swastikas and homophobic slurs were found at the Pascack Valley High School. In December, carvings of swastikas and a Star of David were discovered in a girls' bathroom at Ridgewood High School.

Earlier this month, five juveniles were facing undisclosed disciplinary action for drawing swastikas on a Haworth Township street in December.

Bloomfield Police is investigating the fliers, according to the statement. Calls to the department to ascertain the status of the investigation were not immediately returned.

Email: torrejon@northjersey.com