“Arm Yourselves WHITE People!!” KKK Flyers Distributed In Akron

Akron, Ohio, May 15, 2024  —  Today, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Acting Chief of Police Brian Harding have released a joint statement regarding the recent discovery of a flyer delivered to a resident’s doorstep. The flyer includes racist caricatures of Black people and the text, “Arm Yourselves WHITE People!!” The flyer includes contact information for a Ku Klux Klan group based in Kentucky.  The resident called the police and filed a report on Monday, May 13 when the flyer was discovered.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Acting Chief Brian Harding:

“We want to be extremely clear: Racism and hate have no place in our community, and we find the flyer to be disgusting and offensive. We’re aware that these flyers have been placed in other Northeast Ohio communities and we are talking with other cities to gather further information. We encourage anyone with knowledge of these flyers or who has received one themselves to please contact the police department. This vile flyer does not represent the diverse and welcoming city that we call home, and we stand firmly against those who would deliver this type of material to our residents.”

If you have received a flyer or have information about these flyers please call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Citizens may also provide anonymous information to any of the following:

The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS

Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637

Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411 or by accessing the link on our website, www.AkronCops.org.