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Mechanicsburg Holds Unity Rally and PHRC Town Hall After Alleged KKK Cards at Parade

With no formal reports or evidence on file, authorities say enforcement is constrained by free-speech protections.

Overview

  • Hundreds attended the "No Hate Here" gathering on North Railroad Avenue, followed by a packed "No Hate in Our State" forum at Buhrig’s Gathering Place.
  • Speakers included Rev. Kathryn Z. Johnston, Councilwoman Sara Agerton, Superintendent Andrew Bitz, Rev. Bobby Jones, and PSP Cpl. Tristan Bennett, with an SPLC analyst providing KKK context.
  • The Women of the K.K.K. issued a statement defending its beliefs and claimed it would mingle at the events as a "Citizen of the Invisible Empire."
  • Police, the borough, and the chamber of commerce reported receiving no official complaints about the alleged cards distributed during the Oct. 14 Halloween parade.
  • Panelists urged outreach and dialogue to prevent recruitment, noting trauma and isolation can make people vulnerable to extremist groups.