UPDATE: Oct. 23 at 9:40 a.m.
Governor Andy Beshear released the following statement on Thursday morning regarding the KKK flyers spread across Kentucky:
We’ve learned of hateful, racist flyers handed out around Frankfort and surrounding communities. I want to be very clear: These messages have no place in Kentucky, and I condemn them. Our commonwealth is a place where we lead with love, and we will not tolerate hate.
UPDATE: Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.
Residents and officials in Kentucky communities are condemning the overnight distribution of KKK flyers that were found scattered across Midway, Versailles, and Frankfort.
"To do something like this in the community in the middle of the night. It doesn't get much more cowardly than that," said Grayson Vandegrift, Midway mayor.
The hate group propaganda has prompted increased police patrols and strong condemnation from local leaders.
"We're definitely increasing patrols in the downtown area today. Since that was the area that seems to be the propaganda was spread. Increasing those patrols," said Assistant Chief Scott Tracy with Frankfort Police Department.
James Johnson, a Frankfort resident and retired Kentucky State Police trooper, expressed concern but confidence in local law enforcement's response.
"Well, there's a level of concern when something like that occurs in your community, especially this particular area," Johnson said.
"I know state police, local police, sheriff's department. I know what those agencies stand for, and I believe that they will do their very best to make sure that this community or anywhere in the state is safe," he said.
According to History.com, the Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1865 and serves as a white-supremacist, terrorist, hate group created to direct deadly violence towards African Americans and the Jewish community.
Both Midway and Frankfort mayors have condemned the hate. Vandegrift emphasized that the community stands united against such actions.
"I just hope our community knows we outnumber them. As small as we are, we still outnumber them. This is a very small group of very misguided, very hateful people," Vandegrift said.
Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson released a statement saying, "I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any attempt by hate groups to divide, intimidate, or spread fear among our neighbors."
"Every person in Frankfort deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected… Hate has no home here," Wilkerson said.
Johnson stressed the importance of community unity in response to the incident.
"I think we just have to stay together. We have to stay strong in our own personal beliefs, our own feelings about things, and stay together. I think this community has rallied a lot in the last year, or last month, or last days. And I think you'll see everyone will stay together," Johnson said.
"Not in this community. Not anywhere in this country is that welcomed. And we'll be here. We're not going anywhere. We're gonna make sure our community is safe," he said.
Original Story:
The Frankfort Police Department is reportedly investigating KKK propaganda that was distributed overnight throughout areas of the community.
Police are calling the incident "an appalling act of littering" and emphasize they "do not tolerate hate in any form." The department said this behavior contradicts community values and they are taking the matter seriously.
Authorities are requesting public assistance in the investigation. Residents in affected areas who have security cameras, doorbell cameras or other recording devices are asked to review footage from overnight and contact police if they captured anything related to the incident.
"Allowing the department to review any footage could provide the police department the opportunity to identify any individuals involved in this hateful act," police said.
Anyone with relevant footage should contact the Frankfort Police Department's non-emergency line at 502-875-8582.
The department said it "remains committed to the safety of the Frankfort community and continues to support a thriving and diverse community."
The Mayor of Frankfort Layne Wilkerson released a statement on social media saying: "The appearance of hate-filled materials in our community does not reflect who we are as Frankfort residents or as Kentuckians."
Wilkerson highlighted the strength of the city and noted that residents deserve to feel "safe, valued, and respected, regardless of their race, religion, or background."
Read the full statement below:
The Midway Mayor Grayson Vandegrift also addressed the matter on Facebook noting that he refuses to show the posters, "because they don't deserve any more of out observation than what was already forced on us."
"Make no mistake: there’s no place for this in Midway. A few hateful people are no match for the thousands of good and welcoming folks who call Midway home. Any hate you misdirect will be met with an abundance of loving, caring, and welcoming people," Vandegrift added.
