KKK Propaganda Under Investigation After Being Found in Kentucky’s Capital

Police in Kentucky’s capital city have launched an investigation after residents discovered Ku Klux Klan propaganda materials scattered throughout several neighborhoods over the weekend.

The materials, found in plastic bags weighted down with birdseed, contained recruitment information and white supremacist messaging. Authorities in Frankfort began receiving calls from concerned citizens early Sunday morning after the items were discovered on driveways and front lawns across multiple residential areas.

“We take these incidents very seriously,” said Frankfort Police Chief Dustin Bowman. “While distributing such materials may be protected as free speech, we’re investigating to determine if any laws were violated in how they were distributed or if they contain specific threats.”

This incident is not isolated to Frankfort. Similar KKK propaganda distributions have been reported in other Kentucky communities and across several states in recent months, suggesting a coordinated effort by white supremacist groups to expand recruitment and visibility.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate group activity nationwide, has documented an increase in such propaganda campaigns over the past three years. The organization reports that Kentucky has seen active KKK chapters operate intermittently throughout its history, with periodic recruitment drives typically coinciding with periods of social and political tension.

Community leaders have condemned the materials. Mayor Layne Wilkerson issued a statement Monday morning emphasizing that hate speech runs contrary to Frankfort’s values.

“Our community stands for inclusion and respect for all citizens,” Wilkerson said. “These attempts to spread fear and division have no place in our city, and they do not represent who we are as Kentuckians.”

Local civil rights organizations have responded swiftly to the incident. The Frankfort chapter of the NAACP is planning a community forum later this week to discuss the impact of hate group activity and strategies for countering extremist messaging.

“When hate comes knocking at our door, we must respond with unity and strength,” said Regina Brooks, president of the local NAACP chapter. “This isn’t just about racist flyers—it’s about ensuring our community remains a safe place for everyone regardless of race, religion, or background.”

Law enforcement officials are reviewing security camera footage from homes and businesses in affected neighborhoods. They’ve requested that residents who received the materials preserve them as potential evidence and report any suspicious vehicles or individuals they may have noticed.

State officials have also weighed in on the incident. Governor Andy Beshear addressed the situation during a Monday press conference, calling the propaganda “unacceptable” and reassuring residents that state agencies will support local authorities in their investigation.

“Kentucky is a commonwealth where everyone should feel welcome and safe,” Beshear said. “Attempts to intimidate our communities with symbols of hate will not be tolerated.”

The timing of the propaganda distribution comes during a period of heightened political polarization nationwide. Experts on extremist groups note that such organizations often increase recruitment efforts during election years and times of social unrest.

Brian Hughes, co-founder of the Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab at American University, explained that such leafleting campaigns serve multiple purposes for hate groups.

“These distributions accomplish several goals for extremist organizations,” Hughes said. “They generate media attention, intimidate minority communities, and attempt to normalize their presence in everyday settings. They’re designed to make hateful ideologies seem more commonplace than they actually are.”

Frankfort police have encouraged residents to report any additional findings and have established a dedicated tip line for information related to the investigation. Authorities expect to provide updates on the case later this week as they work to identify those responsible for distributing the materials.

City officials have also announced plans to hold community discussions about fostering inclusivity and addressing racial tensions, emphasizing that the response to hate must be educational as well as punitive.