The El Paso Police Department is investigating to determine if any laws, including disorderly conduct, were violated by a group dressed as the Ku Klux Klan over the weekend.
The El Paso branch of the NAACP and civic and political leaders have issued sharp condemnations of the KKK costume incident, saying it is not a joking matter given the Klan's violent racist history and is not reflective of El Paso.
El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas on Monday, Oct. 26, issued the following statement:
"The El Paso Police Department is aware of social media videos and reports of individuals, reportedly including young people, wearing Ku Klux Klan-style robes and allegedly shouting racial slurs while moving through a neighborhood in El Paso.
had 300 members in El Paso
"Symbols and language associated with the Ku Klux Klan represent a history of terror, violence, and racial hatred. They have no place in our community. Treating that history as a costume or a joke is unacceptable and contrary to the values of respect and safety that define El Paso.
"We are reviewing the available information to determine whether any laws were violated, including disorderly conduct or other applicable offenses. Free expression has limits when it crosses into conduct that threatens public order or the safety of others. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the El Paso Police Department.
"Parents, families, and community members play an essential role in teaching young people that hatred and intimidation have no place here. The El Paso Police Department remains committed to protecting every resident, regardless of background, and to maintaining the safety and dignity of our neighborhoods.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action consistent with the law and department policy."
Anyone with information on the KKK costume incident may call the police nonemergency number at 915-832-4400 or may anonymously call Crime Stoppers of El Pasoat 915-566-8477 (TIPS).
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso police review Ku Klux Klan costume incident
