Huntington officials condemn KKK costumes worn for 30 minutes

Residents of Huntington, Indiana, spent the weekend reviewing photos and videos of a couple riding through residential streets in Ku Klux Klan attire. The pair participated in the trick-or-treating crowds on Saturday, an occurrence that prompted immediate reactions from city, county, and state leadership.

Huntington Mayor Richard Strick issued a formal statement condemning the behavior shortly after the images circulated online. The Huntington County Commissioners followed suit on Sunday with a joint declaration. They joined State Senator Nick McKinley, who represents Senate District 17, in criticizing the display. These officials sought to establish a clear governmental stance on the incident before the new week began.

Commissioner President Rob Miller argued that the community cannot treat the event as a minor holiday joke. In an interview with 21Alive News, Miller stated, “I think it’s something that we can’t disregard as just a Halloween prank.” He described the reenactment of historic racism and violence as “unconscionable,” noting that it represented a dark chapter in the nation’s history.

The female rider, who appeared on horseback in the viral footage, communicated with 21Alive News via Facebook messages on Monday. She previously posted an explanation to a local community group, describing the setup as “1 ghost off the kkk, 2 ghost horses and 1 regular old ghost.” She apologized to children who took photos with the group but defended the choice of costume.

The woman told reporters that the couple wore the costumes for roughly 30 minutes. She characterized the online reaction as “blown out of proportion” and insisted they were not attempting to “send a message.” She maintained that the pair are not Klan members or racists and that they did not physically harm anyone during the ride.

The riders allege that the public response has escalated into targeted harassment. The woman wrote that the news needs to address the “doxing, threats, defamation of character, and harassment” her family is facing. She specifically mentioned death threats and claims that people are threatening to steal their horses.

Roderick Parker, founder of Big Hearts Community Projects, proposed a path toward resolution through direct conversation. Parker, whose daughter attended school in Huntington, said the sight of the costumes represented racism and hatred. He suggested that reacting with anger alone only creates more anger.

Parker offered an open invitation for the woman and her boyfriend to sit face-to-face with local leaders. He stated, “I would love for you guys to come sit down at a table with myself and a couple of the leaders in the community.” The goal, he explained, is to bridge gaps and create unity through education rather than hostility.

When asked on Monday if she would consider meeting with Parker, the woman said it would need to be discussed with her boyfriend. She described the meeting as “a possibility.” The couple has not yet confirmed if they will accept the invitation for an open discussion.