El Paso police are investigating an incident in which a group of individuals, reportedly including teenagers, were filmed wearing Ku Klux Klan-style robes and hoods and repeatedly shouting a racial slur. The video, which began circulating on social media on Sunday, shows at least eight people walking down a street while chanting the slur. The incident occurred ahead of Halloween, and the group was reportedly en route to a Halloween party.

Police Chief Peter Pacillas stated that the group's actions may have violated laws related to disorderly conduct and other offenses. He emphasized that symbols and language associated with the KKK carry a history of terror and racial hatred and have no place in El Paso. "Treating that history as a costume or a joke is unacceptable and contrary to the values of respect and safety that define El Paso," Pacillas said.

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, the city's first Black mayor, expressed deep disappointment and called the behavior unacceptable. "Hate is not a costume, racism is not a joke, and our community deserves better," Johnson stated. He added, "We are better than this, El Paso."

Local leaders, including representatives from the NAACP and religious institutions, have condemned the incident. Carl B Dwyer Jr., president of the NAACP's El Paso branch, urged school districts to address such behavior. Pastor Artie C Maxwell Jr. of Mount Zion Baptist Church highlighted that such actions, perceived as a joke by some, have a painful history for many and have led to loss of life.

Jackie Butler, El Paso County Commissioner for Precinct 1, stressed the importance of accountability, stating that actions evoking this history cannot be dismissed, especially when they threaten residents' sense of safety and dignity.

Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar called the reports "deeply disturbing and unacceptable," asserting that no one should fear harassment and that racism has no place in the community. State Senator Cesar Blanco echoed these sentiments, calling for vigilance against the normalization of hate and intimidation.

Local pastor Michael Grady suggested the behavior might be a form of "learned behavior," influenced by the current national climate, as "We're not born with hatred."

El Paso police confirmed they are reviewing the available information. As of Wednesday, no further updates or public identification of the individuals have been released. The El Paso Police Department noted that the group 'reportedly [included] young people' and may have broken multiple laws El Paso police chief Peter Pacillas said symbols and language associated with the KKK represented a 'history of terror, violence and racial hatred'