The distribution of Ku Klux Klan flyers in parts of East Tennessee has triggered an investigation by local law enforcement agencies, with the Sweetwater Police Department at the forefront. Flyers bearing "racially motivated propaganda," as described by the WVLT News report, were reported in Sweetwater, Athens, and Lenoir City. Authorities are currently seeking the public's assistance to track down the distributers of this hate material.
The disturbing literature encourages individuals to "self-deport and avoid detention," a message accompanied by an illustration of Uncle Sam standing on a cage. The Chattanooga Police Department found similar flyers in their streets, and their Chief John Chambers declared unequivocally clear, "acts like distributing Klan propaganda or engaging in any behavior meant to intimidate or divide us have no place in Chattanooga," as reported by WBIR. The flyers did not specify any particular minority group, but given the nature of the Klan, the implied target remains all too apparent.
According to WATE, the Sweetwater Police Department's efforts are "focused on identifying the source of this material" and have been greatly aided by the City of Sweetwater Street Department and Parks and Recreation Department in cleaning up hundreds of the flyers dispersed throughout neighborhoods. Evidently, this dissemination of hate has not been confined to Tennessee alone; similar instances have been reported in the neighboring states of Ohio and Kentucky.
The surge in these incidents coincides with Tennessee lawmakers proposing legislation that would classify distributing hate flyers as a Class A misdemeanor. This response, perhaps, is a testament to a larger social recognition of the threats posed by hate groups and their literature. In a statement to WBIR, the Southern Poverty Law Center underscored that despite most Ku Klux Klan chapters declining in recent years, their capacity to disseminate propaganda on social media platforms and by other means persists. The SPLC further noted that "other white supremacist movements would likely continue overshadowing the hate group in recruitment, propaganda and events."
As communities across East Tennessee grapple with the resurgence of KKK flyers in their midst, the Sweetwater Police Department urges anyone with information to reach out via their non-emergency line at 423-442-4357. Simultaneously, the Chattanooga Police Department is investigating reports of flyers being thrown from a truck, requesting the public's assistance with any video evidence by calling 423-698-2525. Meanwhile, the Knoxville Police Department acknowledges social media accounts of KKK flyers in Knoxville but awaits official reports, as they encourage anyone who comes across such flyers to report them immediately.
