Shocking video shows group of adults in KKK costumes at Halloween fire hall dance
Shocking footage has emerged showing a group of adults in Ku Klux Klan costumes during a Halloween fire hall dance in Nova Scotia, Canada.
At least four people wore the white robes and pointed hoods associated with the hate group at a Halloween event at the North Sydney Firefighters Club on Saturday.
One of the people in KKK attire also held a large cross.
North Sydney Fire Chief Lloyd MacIntosh said a “mistake was made” and added the four people should not have been part of the party.
MacIntosh claimed the four people were let in by volunteers working the door and allowed to stay after the cross was confiscated and the men were told to remove their hoods.
Shocking footage has emerged showing a group of adults in Ku Klux Klan costumes during a Halloween fire hall dance in Nova Scotia, Canada
The images of the KKK costumes have infuriated the community, with many expressing anger that the four people were allowed to enter and stay at the dance.
Local Jason MacLean, who is black, tells the story CBC the group’s actions were hurtful and perhaps hateful.
“This is what people shouldn’t shy away from – it was a racist act,” he added.
Tia Upshaw, CEO and founder of Canada’s Black Women in Excellence, told Global News she was disgusted by the images.
‘This is 2024 and this is what we’re still doing? Is this what we’re still fighting?’ she said.
“Ku Klux Klan, KKK, I don’t care what rock you come from, everyone knows what they stand for, who they were and what that means to black individuals,” Upshaw added.
North Sydney Fire Chief Lloyd MacIntosh said “a mistake has been made” and added the four people should not have been allowed into the party
Quentrel Provo, CEO of an organization called Stop the Violence, said it was “just another example of racism in Nova Scotia.”
He added: “The fact that this was at an event and no one kicked these individuals out, felt uncomfortable or said anything until after the fact speaks volumes.”
The North Sydney Firefighters Club has made it clear there are no links to the four people, who have not yet been identified.
‘We made a mistake!’ the group said. “We apologize to anyone in our community who was offended or hurt by our lack of action.
“These four individuals are not affiliated with our organization in any way. We promise to do better in the future.”
Cape Breton Deputy Fire Chief Wade Gouthro, who was not at the event, also apologized for the incident in a Facebook post published Sunday.
“I can tell you this: the members of North Sydney and I are deeply sorry and ask for your forgiveness,” he wrote.
MacIntosh claimed the four people were let in by volunteers working the door and allowed to stay after the cross was confiscated and the men were told to remove their hoods.
“I can assure you that today we are all aching in our hearts because we have disappointed a community that we work so hard to improve and protect.
‘We would certainly never intentionally hurt or offend anyone, regardless of race, skin color, orientation or religion. We spend all our time doing good for the community and are here to do all we can for everyone.”
“When we have Halloween dances, you never know what you’re going to see coming through the door. Most of the time we think, “Ah, it’s a costume,” without really thinking about the big picture or the past it represents, Chef Gouthro added.
Cape Breton Regional Police said they are investigating the incident.