Communities across Tennessee were targeted in a coordinated overnight campaign by the Ku Klux Klan, with residents in both Nashville and Knoxville discovering racist recruitment materials on their properties early Thursday morning.
The incident, which saw plastic bags containing flyers, small candy canes, and gravel left on driveways and lawns, has been condemned by state authorities as an attempt to intimidate and spread hate.
Official Response and Investigation
Tennessee National Guard Adjutant General Warner Ross issued a strong statement confirming that the materials originated from a group identifying itself as the "Ku Klux Klan Realm of Tennessee." The flyers specifically criticised the state's National Guard, accusing them of participating in "training exercises to take down patriotic Americans."
"The Tennessee National Guard does not train to take down patriotic Americans," General Ross stated unequivocally. "We train to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Community Impact and Police Involvement
Local police departments in both cities have launched investigations into the distribution of the materials. The Knoxville Police Department confirmed they received multiple reports from concerned citizens in the West Knoxville area.
"This is obviously very disturbing for residents to wake up to," a police spokesperson commented. "We are treating this as a hate incident and are following all available leads."
The flyers contained typical white supremacist rhetoric and attempts to recruit new members to the organisation, which has a long and violent history in the United States.
Historical Context and Modern Resurgence
This incident highlights the persistent presence of organised hate groups in certain regions of the country. While the Ku Klux Klan's membership has declined significantly since its mid-20th century peak, splinter groups continue to engage in periodic recruitment drives and intimidation tactics.
Community leaders have urged residents not to be alarmed but to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
