Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members from three different states are reportedly traveling to Ohio to hold a two-day fundraiser for the officer who shot unarmed teen Michael Brown, and to “guard white businesses.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) first reported last week that that the New Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan had begun raising money in support of the Ferguson police officer who killed Brown.
On Friday, the New Empire Knights announced that it would be holding a fundraiser on August 23-24 in Sullivan, about 60 miles from Ferguson.
“With the police state in Ferguson, we will be holding our fundraiser in Sullivan City, MO,” the announcement said. “Donations of $10 and up. All money will go to the cop who did his job against the negro criminal.”
New Empire Knights Imperial Wizard Charles Murray said in the comments section of the group’s website that the event was “being attended by 3 different Klan fractions.”
And to anyone thinking of trying to get in the way, Murray warned, “we have guns (and more).”
“We are raising money for a cop who shot a n*gger criminal,” he explained.
In a statement on Monday, Sullivan Mayor Thomas Leasor said that the city had seen reports about the KKK’s plans.
“City elected officials nor City staff is aware of the specific location for the gathering or have any details regarding the event,” the statement said. “On behalf of the City of Sullivan elected officials and City staff I want to emphasize that we have not, or will not, endorse or condone any activity based on hatred, more specifically any activity based on hatred towards any ethnicity.”
Murray, whose group is based in Abbeville, SC, clarified to Sullivan Independent News that the event being held next weekend should not be considered a “rally.”
”We are not holding a rally. We are having a fundraiser,” Murray said. ” Members of ours have been selling items online also. All funds are going to [the officer].”
On Monday, the New Empire Knights issued a statement about plans to “guard white businesses near Ferguson.”
“With blacks out of control, we have our Missouri Realm going to areas near Ferguson,” the statement said. “We can’t have blacks robbing and murdering innocent whites. I am on my way down along with members from three different states and members from the Southern Mountain Knights.”
[Image via Flickr user Martin, Creative Commons licensed]
It’s almost like we’ve take one step forward but two steps BACK!
This is insane!!!
Does the Klan know something that we don’t?
of course …. fund raiser and the man isnt even charged yet is like dem a reward dem fi kill a black man
The KKK is definitely pleased by the death–they are compelled to think that they, the [white men] of America are under attack so they’ve gone to the rescue of their fellow brother.
They might see it as no different from the NAACP going to the rescue of black men…
there’s gonna be a race war in this country mark my words these white racist are showing themselvestoo much its like in your face back to Jim crow there is more killings of blacks in the hands of these pigs but the media doesn’t report it I don’t blame the ppl looting n fighting against the police. look at travon martin case all the peace n MLK kumbaya shit n a year later they still killing young black men u have to fight evil with evil
Met yuh seeit!
The thirst for Black blood is real, especially our men. These cowards take pride in funding that heinous act, they are just as guilty of Michael Brown’s murder!