El Paso police are investigating an incident where individuals, described as potentially including young people, were filmed walking through a neighborhood in Ku Klux Klan robes and hoods while repeatedly shouting a racial slur. The video, which began circulating online on a Sunday, shows at least eight individuals in the costumes. The El Paso Police Department stated that the group may have violated laws, including disorderly conduct and other applicable offenses.
Police Chief Peter Pacillas commented that symbols and language associated with the KKK represent a "history of terror, violence and racial hatred" and are unacceptable in El Paso. He emphasized that treating this history as a costume or joke is contrary to the city's values of respect and safety. Police are reviewing the available information, and no further statements or public identity releases have been made.
According to El Paso Matters, the individuals were reportedly on their way to a Halloween party on the Eastside of El Paso. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, the city's first Black mayor, expressed deep disappointment and called the actions unacceptable, stating, "Hate is not a costume, racism is not a joke, and our community deserves better."
At a press conference, Carl B Dwyer Jr., president of the NAACP's El Paso branch, called on school districts to address such incidents. Pastor Artie C Maxwell Jr. of Mount Zion Baptist Church condemned the actions, noting the historical violence associated with the KKK costumes. El Paso County Commissioner Jackie Butler stressed the importance of accountability, stating that actions evoking this history cannot be dismissed when they threaten residents' sense of safety and dignity.
Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar called the reports "deeply disturbing and unacceptable," emphasizing that racism has no place in the community. State Senator Cesar Blanco also expressed disappointment, urging that hate and intimidation should not be normalized. Local pastor Michael Grady suggested such behavior could be a form of "learned behavior" influenced by the national climate.