Police Investigate KKK Propaganda Distributed in Kentucky Capital

Police in Kentucky’s state capital are investigating after residents discovered dozens of packages containing Ku Klux Klan propaganda scattered throughout neighborhoods over the weekend, authorities confirmed Monday.

Frankfort Police Department officials reported that small plastic bags containing KKK materials were found on driveways, sidewalks, and yards across multiple residential areas on Sunday. The packages, weighted down with bird seed to prevent them from blowing away, contained recruitment literature and contact information for the white supremacist organization.

“We take these incidents very seriously,” said Frankfort Police Chief Dustin Bowman. “While the distribution of such materials may be protected by First Amendment rights, we are investigating whether any laws were broken in the manner they were distributed or if there are any potential threats to public safety.”

Residents began reporting the packages early Sunday morning, with calls continuing throughout the day as more neighbors discovered the unwanted materials. Police estimate that dozens of homes received the propaganda across at least three neighborhoods.

This incident occurs amid a troubling national trend of increasing hate group activity. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremist organizations, Kentucky has seen a 12 percent rise in documented hate group activity over the past two years.

“What makes this particularly concerning is the randomized, widespread nature of the distribution,” explained Dr. Terrence Johnson, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky who specializes in extremism and political movements. “These groups are increasingly using these literature drops as low-risk recruitment tools that allow them to spread their message without direct confrontation.”

Local community leaders have condemned the propaganda campaign. Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson issued a statement Monday morning, emphasizing that hate has no place in the capital city.

“Frankfort is a diverse, welcoming community that rejects bigotry and racism in all forms,” Wilkerson said. “We stand united against attempts to spread hate or division among our residents.”

State officials also weighed in on the incident. Governor Andy Beshear addressed the situation during his weekly press conference, calling the propaganda “despicable” and reaffirming the state government’s commitment to ensuring Kentucky is welcoming to everyone.

This is not the first such incident in Kentucky this year. Similar propaganda distributions were reported in Louisville suburbs in March and in parts of northern Kentucky in May, suggesting a coordinated effort by white supremacist organizations to increase visibility across the commonwealth.

Law enforcement officials are reviewing surveillance footage from home security cameras in the affected neighborhoods to identify those responsible for distributing the materials. While the content itself may be constitutionally protected speech, police are investigating potential charges related to littering, trespassing, or harassment.

The Frankfort Human Rights Commission has announced plans for a community forum later this week to discuss the incident and provide resources for residents concerned about hate group activity in the area.

“When these materials appear in our community, the best response is unified rejection,” said Commission Chair Patricia Wilson. “We want to provide a space for residents to process this intrusion and reaffirm our shared values of equality and respect.”

Local faith leaders and civil rights organizations have also mobilized in response, planning a unity rally for Saturday at the State Capitol to demonstrate community solidarity.

Police have asked residents who received the propaganda or who have security footage that might aid the investigation to contact the department’s non-emergency line. They also advised residents not to engage with any individuals they see distributing such materials but to report suspicious activity immediately.

“While we respect constitutional rights, we will use every available legal means to address this situation and prevent intimidation of our citizens,” Chief Bowman added.

Officials emphasized that the distribution of hate propaganda often seeks to create fear disproportionate to the actual size or power of the organizations involved, and urged residents to report but not amplify such messages.