Police officers are investigating the distribution of Ku Klux Klan propaganda that appeared in several Frankfort neighborhoods over the weekend, authorities confirmed Monday.

The materials, which contained racist messaging and recruitment information, were found in clear plastic bags weighted down with birdseed. Residents discovered the propaganda packets on their driveways and front yards Sunday morning, prompting multiple calls to local law enforcement.

Frankfort Police Department spokesperson Captain John Sanders said officers responded to at least 14 separate complaints from residents in the South Frankfort and East Frankfort areas.

“We’re taking these incidents very seriously,” Sanders said. “The materials appear to have been randomly distributed throughout these neighborhoods without targeting specific homes.”

This incident marks the third reported distribution of extremist propaganda in the capital city within the past 18 months, raising concerns about increased hate group activity in the region. Similar materials were discovered in nearby Lexington neighborhoods last month, suggesting a coordinated effort across central Kentucky communities.

The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security confirmed they are monitoring the situation but noted that distributing such materials, while disturbing to residents, is typically protected under First Amendment rights unless accompanied by specific threats or harassment.

Dr. Melissa Jenkins, a professor of sociology at Kentucky State University who specializes in extremist movements, explained that such propaganda drops have become increasingly common nationwide.

“These groups use these literature campaigns as a low-risk recruitment strategy and to create fear in communities,” Jenkins said. “The use of birdseed as weights is a common tactic we’ve observed across multiple states, as it’s inexpensive and keeps the materials from blowing away.”

Community leaders have organized a response to counter the hateful messaging. Frankfort Mayor Elizabeth Thompson announced plans for a community unity rally scheduled for Saturday at the Old Capitol Plaza.

“Our community stands firmly against hate in all forms,” Thompson said in a statement. “The actions of these individuals do not represent our values, and we will not allow them to divide us.”

Local civil rights organizations are also mobilizing resources to support affected neighborhoods. The Frankfort Human Rights Commission is coordinating with state agencies to provide educational materials about recognizing and reporting hate group activity.

Commission chairperson Robert Williams emphasized the importance of community vigilance. “We encourage residents who find these materials to report them to police but not to engage with the groups directly,” Williams said. “Documentation helps authorities track patterns of activity across jurisdictions.”

Law enforcement officials are reviewing security camera footage from homes in the affected areas, hoping to identify vehicles or individuals involved in distributing the materials. Police have also established a dedicated tipline for residents to report any information related to the incident.

The FBI’s Louisville field office confirmed they are aware of the incidents but declined to comment on whether a formal federal investigation has been opened. Under federal law, the distribution of literature alone typically doesn’t constitute a hate crime without accompanying threats or intimidation.

State Representative Maria Collins, whose district includes portions of Frankfort affected by the propaganda drop, condemned the incidents during a press conference Monday afternoon.

“These cowardly acts of intimidation have no place in our community,” Collins said. “I’m working with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated and that resources are available to educate our citizens about the dangers of extremism.”

Mental health professionals note that exposure to hate propaganda can be particularly distressing for minority community members. The Franklin County Mental Health Coalition has offered counseling services to residents affected by the incident.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the distribution of these materials to contact the Frankfort Police Department’s anonymous tip line or report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.