CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Community leaders in Chillicothe are condemning the recent distribution of flyers by a Ku Klux Klan group, vowing to stand against hate in Ohio’s First Capital.
The flyers, discovered last weekend, were allegedly distributed by the Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan from Maysville, Kentucky. This incident comes amidst a backdrop of documented white supremacist activity in Ross County.
The Southern Poverty Law Center identifies Chillicothe as the birthplace of the Aryan Nation, a right-wing extremist group with roots in Nazi ideology.
The KKK flyer distribution isn’t the only recent incident raising concerns. In August 2023, members of the Aryan Freedom Network distributed anti-LGBTQ+ flyers during a Pride celebration in nearby Yoctangee Park.
Chillicothe’s history with racism extends further back. The Guardian previously reported on James Mason, a Chillicothe native, was placed on the terror watch list, due to his involvement with the Atomwaffen, a militant neo-Nazi group. Mason’s extremism led to his first arrest in 1971 for assaulting a 14-year-old African American girl with mace.
Another figure in the alt-right community is Paul Mullet, a local resident with a long history of promoting white supremacist ideology. Followers of Mullet have been linked to various hate crimes across the country.
The Chillicothe City Council echoed the community leaders’ sentiment during their March 25th meeting, declaring that hate has no place in the city.
Meanwhile, the Aryan Freedom Network has announced their intention to return to Ohio on April 20th, 2024, though their specific location remains unknown.
Local law enforcement officials have assured the public they are taking steps to ensure the safety of all residents.