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Frankfort police are investigating after KKK propaganda materials were discovered scattered throughout several neighborhoods overnight, prompting swift condemnation from city officials and law enforcement.
“The appearance of hate-filled materials in our community does not reflect who we are as Frankfort residents or as Kentuckians,” Mayor Layne Wilkerson said in a statement. “I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any attempt by hate groups to divide, intimidate or spread fear among our neighbors.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into what they described as an “appalling act of littering” and are seeking the public’s assistance to identify those responsible. The Frankfort Police Department has established a dedicated line for residents to report information related to the incident.
While police have not officially specified which areas were affected, residents on social media reported sightings of the propaganda in South Frankfort, particularly near Second Street School and Frankfort High School. The neighborhoods of Springhill and Duckers were also reportedly targeted. Similar incidents have been reported in nearby cities including Lexington and Midway, suggesting a coordinated effort across the region.
The specific content of the propaganda materials has not been disclosed by authorities, but the distribution of such materials has raised concerns about hate group activity in the area. Kentucky has a troubling historical connection to the Ku Klux Klan, which has periodically attempted to reassert its presence in various communities across the state.
The Frankfort Police Department issued a statement emphasizing its stance against hate speech. “The Frankfort Police Department does not tolerate hate in any form. This behavior goes against the values of our community and the Frankfort Police Department is taking this matter very seriously,” the statement read.
Law enforcement is particularly interested in reviewing security camera footage from residents in affected areas. “Allowing the department to review any footage could provide the police department the opportunity to identify any individuals involved in this hateful act,” authorities noted. Residents with relevant footage are urged to contact FPD’s non-emergency line at 502-875-8582.
This incident comes at a time when hate group activities have seen an uptick nationally, according to monitoring organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center. Distribution of propaganda materials is a common recruitment and intimidation tactic employed by hate groups to establish presence in communities.
Mayor Wilkerson used the opportunity to reaffirm Frankfort’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “Frankfort is a city built on respect, compassion and community,” he stated. “We are strongest when we stand together, when we choose unity over division, courage over fear and love over hate.”
The mayor’s message emphasized the importance of community solidarity in the face of divisive actions. “Every person in Frankfort deserves to feel safe, valued and respected, regardless of race, religion or background,” Wilkerson added. “Let’s use this as a reminder that each of us plays a role in shaping the kind of community we want to be, a community rooted in kindness, understanding and mutual respect. Hate has no home here.”
The police department echoed this sentiment, stating it “remains committed to the safety of the Frankfort community and continues to support a thriving and diverse community.”
Incidents of this nature are investigated not only as potential hate crimes but can also violate local littering ordinances and potentially constitute criminal harassment depending on the specific targeting and content of the materials.
Law enforcement officials have not yet indicated whether they have identified any suspects or if the distribution was connected to any specific events or dates of significance to hate groups.
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8 Comments
Disturbing to hear about the KKK propaganda found in Frankfort. This type of hateful, divisive content has no place in our communities. I hope the authorities are able to swiftly identify those responsible and hold them accountable.
Agreed. Spreading racist propaganda is a despicable act that only serves to sow fear and intolerance. The police must take strong action to send a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Utterly despicable that the KKK is trying to spread their hateful ideology in Frankfort. This is a direct attack on the diverse, welcoming spirit that should define our city. I hope the authorities throw the book at whoever is responsible for this outrageous behavior.
Agreed. The KKK and their white supremacist views have no place in our community. We must stand firm against any attempts to divide us along racial lines. The perpetrators need to face serious consequences for this.
This is extremely concerning. The KKK and their toxic ideology have no business operating in Frankfort or anywhere else. I hope the investigation leads to the perpetrators being brought to justice.
Me too. Hate groups like the KKK thrive on spreading fear, but we cannot let that happen. The community must stand united against this and show that their message of division has no power here.
This is truly disturbing news. The KKK and their reprehensible ideology have no business operating in Frankfort or anywhere else. I hope the police investigation leads to swift action against those responsible for this hateful act.
I’m appalled to hear about the KKK propaganda materials found in Frankfort. This is an unacceptable act of intimidation that goes against the values of inclusivity and respect that should define our community. I hope the police are able to get to the bottom of this quickly.