El Paso Police Investigate Viral Klan Costume Incident
Authorities are determining if a group wearing white robes committed disorderly conduct after videos of the event spread online.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
El Paso police are investigating whether a group of individuals, some of whom may be minors, committed a crime after wearing Ku Klux Klan-style white robes and hoods on a residential street. The department is reviewing social media footage to determine if the group violated laws regarding disorderly conduct or other applicable offenses.
Police Chief Peter Pacillas released a statement on Monday confirming the department is looking into the incident. He noted that the group is reportedly including young people. Pacillas said the symbols and language associated with the Klan represent a history of terror, violence, and racial hatred. He added that treating that history as a costume or a joke is contrary to the values of respect and safety that define the city.
Carl B. Dwyer Jr., president of the El Paso NAACP branch, held a news conference on Monday morning to address the event. He described the display as deeply hurtful to Black Americans. Dwyer said, "Many believe that it’s just a joke." He continued, "It hurts. It hurts." Supporters at the conference sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as they listened.
Artie C. Maxwell Jr., pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, also spoke at the news conference. He provided historical context for the city, noting that El Paso briefly sympathized with the Confederacy. Maxwell stated, "We may think that it is a joke, but it’s not a joke when it comes to the lives that have come before us." He added, "God, that many have died at the hands of those who have worn those costumes."
Video footage shows the group walking on a neighborhood street. In one clip, a person recording the scene laughs and tells the group, "Y’all gotta yell something, güey." The Spanish slang term is commonly used in Mexico and is similar to "dude" in English.
Pacillas invited residents with information about the incident to contact the department. He said, "Free expression has limits when it crosses into conduct that threatens public order or the safety of others."
Dwyer urged local educators to speak up about the incident. He said, "We’re calling on all of the superintendents, all of the school districts, please, speak up. Please, do something about this."
