KKK Flyers Threatening 'Commies' Who 'Took Down Statues' Prompt Police to Step up Patrols

Police in Virginia are stepping up patrols after KKK propaganda was found in two majority-Black neighborhoods.

Officers were first alerted to reports of suspicious bags being left in the Varina and Fairfield districts of Henrico County between October 15 and 17, according to NBC12.

Henrico County Police said these bags contained flyers that purported to be from the "loyal white knights" of the Ku Klux Klan.

A flyer obtained by NBC12 reveals the writer's anger at the removal of statues of Confederate generals and leaders.

It read: "[Matthew] Maury, [Stonewall] Jackson, [Jefferson] Davis, [Robert E.] Lee and [J.E.B] Stuart - heroes that opposed federal aggression.

"Their spirits are still alive - commies, you took down statues, you'll be took down too. Loyal white knights."

The statement signed off: "100 percent Americanism - pray for white Americans."

Henrico County Police chief Eric English asked any residents who had information about the racist flyers to come forward.

"Hate has no place in Henrico County. The safety and well-being of our community is the top priority of Henrico Police and acts of intimidation will not be tolerated."

NBC12 said police would increase patrols in the two districts, which both have a majority of Black residents according to census data.

County Manager John Vithoulkas told the TV network: "In no uncertain terms, Henrico County deplores and condemns these leaflets and their twisted message of white supremacy.

"This community will not be divided. We encourage our residents to be vigilant, to watch out for their neighbors and to support each other. Our spirit of inclusion, love and community will always triumph over messages of division and hate."

Those with information are asked to contact police on (804) 501-4810 or (804) 501-5000. Tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers on (804) 780-1000.

Newsweek has contacted the Henrico County Police Department for comment.

The removal of Confederate statues has become a hot topic in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.

Campaigners who want statues of General Lee and other Confederate leaders to be toppled argue that they represent the pro-slavery ideals of the Confederacy and celebrate the act of secession from the Union.

But others have said the statues represent the country's history, including its racist past, and their removal would be an attempt to rewrite history.

One of the statues removed in recent months is a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general and early leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

In July, the bust was taken away from the Tennessee State Capitol, where it had been on display since 1978, and moved to a museum.