UPDATE: White supremacist group had 20 members ‘at most’ and faked rally for publicity

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A white supremacist group -- the New Jersey European Heritage Association -- plans to host a march in Princeton Saturday, a move that local officials say they don’t condone, but can’t stop.

Mayor Liz Lempert took to social media Wednesday to notify residents, and to urge counter-protestors to stay peaceful.

“These individuals have a right to free speech however despicable their message of hate, bigotry, and ignorance. We stand in opposition to this twisted attempt to spew hate,” Lempert said in her Facebook post.

An email requesting comment from the European Heritage Association was not answered.

A group of white supremacists is apparently planning a march in Palmer Square this Saturday. Our police are aware and... Posted by Mayor Liz Lempert on Wednesday, January 9, 2019

The Princeton Police Department was notified that flyers were posted around town advertising the march, which is happening in Palmer Square. The department will have a strong presence in the area Saturday, Chief Nick Sutter said.

“We want everybody to be able to demonstrate peacefully and (get) their voices heard,” Sutter said. “We don’t want any provocations or altercations to take place.”

Sutter also encouraged any groups or people who may be planning counter-protests to register with the police department so they can obtain a permit and police can ensure everyone has a space.

In November, a group held an “It’s OK to be white” march on Nassau Street. Similar racist and anti-Semitic posters have also been found hanging at Princeton University.

Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.