KKK materials left on multiple properties

Authorities are investigating the origin of several flyers for the United Northern & Southern Knights.

ROME, N.Y. » Police are investigating the distribution of KKK flyers on the outskirts of Rome.

Early Friday morning, Oneida County Sheriff ’s Deputies responded to the area of Glen Road South in the City of Rome after residents there reported finding weighted Ziploc bags containing printed information about the United Northern & Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. The bags were left at the end of multiple driveways between 4- 6:30 a.m.

“I would like to say that I find the KKK an organization that encourages hatred and bigotry and I don’t condone this organization or anything it stands for,” said Oneida County Sherif f Robert Maciol. “I believe in unity and tolerance. The KKK is against all of those things. However with that said, I have taken an oath to uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens, which however repulsive includes the KKK. The leaving of these flyers and soliciting people to join the KKK is their right. I am very sensitive to those in the community that just the mention of the KKK causes anxiety and anger, but the US Constitution protects their right to free speech. If the actions of this group turns to soliciting people to commit violent acts, or they cross the line and break the law, the Sheriff’s Office will not hesitate to file criminal charges against them.”

In response to the distribution of Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacy related materials, including recruitment materials, in Oneida and other counties, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed State Police to investigate the distribution of white supremacy materials, to determine their origin and whether they are designed to promote or incite hate crimes, and to increase patrols in the area. The governor also directed the State Police’s Hate Crimes Task Force and the Division of Human Rights to launch a public awareness campaign to combat hate and help New Yorkers report and fight back against incidents of hate.

“I have directed State Police to investigate the appalling distribution of KKK material in several counties and send a clear message that New York has zero tolerance for intolerance,’ Cuomo said. “Today more than ever, New York must fight against hate crimes and stand as a beacon of equality and diversity.”

The State Police will share information and resources from the New York State Intelligence Center, a repository of statewide criminal intelligence, including information on hate crimes. The State Police will offer additional access to this resource so local law enforcement can utilize the extensive intelligence resources the State has to offer.

The Hate Crimes Task Force will work with local organizations on a public awareness campaign to combat hate and help New Yorkers report and fight back against hate crimes. The Task Force will deploy teams on the ground to conduct an educational outreach campaign and distribute information on how to file reports of hate crimes to the state, including by calling the free hotline or texting “HATE” to 81336.

In addition, the taskforce will hold a town hall in Oneida County to discuss local concerns, educate the community on their rights, and explain how to report hate crimes.

All New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call DHR’s toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or text “HATE” to 81336. If you want to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.

“We are sending a clear message that the city of Rome will not tolerate this type of activity, and at no time should our citizens not feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods,” said Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo.

Anyone with information regarding the Rome investigation, whether personal contact with an individual or individuals, suspicious vehicles, or home security images, is asked to contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at 315-736- 0141. All calls will remain confidential.

The Sheriff’s Office has been working with Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the Rome Police, and the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center regarding this incident.