Chattanooga Police responded at 8:55 p.m. on Monday to the Highland Park area for reports of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) flyers being distributed.
CPD said, "When the officers arrived, they spoke with several community members who found the disturbing flyers in the roadway. One community member reported seeing a group of people in a truck throwing the flyers in the road."
A flyer states, "LEAVE NOW SELF-DEPORT AVOID DEPORTATION" and "AMERICANS ON GUARD Help us PROTECT our HOMELAND".
Another flyer was found that encourages membership in their group and invites people to an event in Kentucky.
Police said, "These flyers are designed to intimidate immigrants and encourage membership in the KKK."
The CPD is investigating, and encourages community members to contact the CPD if similar incidents occur in the city. CPD is working to locate videos of the flyer distribution and asks for anyone with videos to share them using its video evidence portal at https://chattanoogapd.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25007362.
The CPD is working with community groups to pass information and CPD's support to community members.
CPD Chief John Chambers said, “As your police chief, I want to personally assure you that your police department is working tirelessly, utilizing every resource available, to identify and hold accountable the individuals who, under the cover of nightfall, sought to spread fear, hatred, and division in our community. Let me be unequivocally clear: acts like distributing Klan propaganda or engaging in any behavior meant to intimidate or divide us have no place in Chattanooga. We are a community built on strength, unity, and mutual respect. The Chattanooga Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to keep our community safe.”
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly said, “Police Chief John Chambers briefed me this morning on the KKK flyers that were found last night in some Chattanooga neighborhoods and he has assured me that this matter will be fully investigated and the law will be enforced. CPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible and I urge anyone with information or video that could be helpful to step forward.
"I want to make something absolutely clear: hate has no place in Chattanooga. Ours is a strong and connected community, and we will oppose any person or group that attempts to divide us. The KKK knows that, which is why they acted cowardly and anonymously while committing this act of hate. Chattanoogans are better than this, and the residents I talk to on a daily basis are welcoming, kind, generous people, always looking for a way to help their neighbors. We may not always agree on everything, but we always love and support each other. We must not let a small group of cowards lead us to believe anything different.”
City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod said, "As a representative of Chattanooga District 9 and a steadfast advocate for justice and equality, I am horrified and infuriated by the repugnant flyers recently distributed in Highland Park. These documents, steeped in racism and xenophobia, strike at the very heart of what we hold dear in our diverse communities.
"Please make no mistake, there is utterly no place for such vile hate-filled rhetoric in Chattanooga or anywhere else in our country.
"We stand united, more resolved than ever, against these divisive and destructive forces. I urge every Chattanoogan to join me in denouncing these heinous acts. We must continue to work towards a community where everyone is treated with dignity.
"Together, we will not only reject these despicable messages but will also take active measures to reinforce an environment where inclusivity and respect flourish. Let it be clear - hate has no sanctuary here. We are committed to defending our values of diversity and inclusivity relentlessly, ensuring Chattanooga remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.