PERRYSBURG, Ohio – Flyers bearing messages from the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) were discovered in several areas of Wood County this past weekend, including Perrysburg, Bowling Green, and Findlay. The materials, which contained racially charged and offensive content, were found scattered across the region, prompting local police to investigate the situation.
The flyers, some of which included messages calling for the deportation of individuals and others filled with racial slurs, were discovered amidst the melting snow and muddy streets on a windy February day. Several residents were shocked by the content and expressed their distress over the hate-filled rhetoric. In Perrysburg, police confirmed they received reports of the flyers being found in multiple locations, but as of now, no one has been charged in connection with the incident.
Perrysburg Police Chief Patrick Jones addressed the issue, explaining that while the flyers were deeply offensive, there is little law enforcement can do regarding the messages themselves, as they fall under the protection of the First Amendment. “Hate speech is protected by the First Amendment. This is something the Supreme Court has decided on many occasions,” Jones stated.
Despite the legal protection of the speech, authorities are focusing on potential littering charges. Police are actively working to identify the individuals responsible for distributing the flyers, but so far, no leads have emerged. Chief Jones encouraged residents to report any video footage from home cameras that might capture the moment the flyers were dropped off, which could aid in identifying the culprits.
The discovery of similar flyers in Bowling Green has raised further concern, as the literature contained contact information for the KKK. The motivations behind the distribution of these flyers remain unclear, but the timing and locations suggest a deliberate effort to stir up fear and division within the community.
Findlay’s Mayor Christina Muryn also addressed the situation, issuing a statement condemning the actions and emphasizing the city’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment. “It is my belief that this material was distributed in an effort to gain attention, create fear and fan the flames of dehumanization and intimidation toward members of our community,” Muryn said. “This is unacceptable and not representative of our community.”
The mayor encouraged residents to report any flyers they found to the Findlay Police Department, where authorities will continue their investigation to determine if further action is necessary.
While the distribution of these flyers is legally protected, local officials and community leaders have strongly denounced the hateful messages and reaffirmed their commitment to unity and tolerance. The incident has brought attention to the ongoing challenges of addressing hate speech and the importance of remaining vigilant against efforts to spread division and fear.
In the meantime, law enforcement agencies in Wood County are continuing to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay informed and report any relevant information to help with the investigation.