The list of supposed KKK members, or those that Anonymous says are the names of folks with close ties to KKK associations, is certainly causing buzz online on Monday, November 2. The list of alleged KKK members posted to Pastebin caused plenty of concern, because it includes the names of U.S. Senators and mayors on the list, along with their phone numbers, and claims that they have ties to different KKK organizations.
This allegation from the group Anonymous is false, insulting and ridiculous. I have never had any relationship of any kind with the KKK.
— Mayor Jim Gray (@JimGrayLexKY) November 2, 2015
However, folks who find their names appearing on the alleged KKK list are fighting back, calling the ties to KKK organizations ridiculous. Mayor Kent Guinn of Ocala, Florida, whose name appears on the alleged KKK list, has denied his involvement with the KKK, as reported by WKMG Orlando. Mayor Guinn said that whomever put his name on the KKK list was trying to discredit him. Meanwhile, the “OpKKK” list creator defends his or her research behind the KKK list.
Statement from Anonymous member behind #OpKKK name dump https://t.co/gROqgivwDk pic.twitter.com/G4nb2M9p8h
— Jim (@stljv) November 2, 2015
Mayor Madeline Rogero turn to her Facebook page to dispute the allegations of any involvement with the KKK. While Mayor Madeline praised the group for including a “flattering” photo of Rogero that was 12-years-old, the mayor called the list ridiculous. She called the creator of the supposed KKK list slanderous and the spreader of false accusations.
“I’m not even sure this is worth responding to, but for the record: There is a list circulating online purporting to ‘out’ elected officials as members of the KKK. For reasons unfathomable to me or anyone who knows me, my name is on the list. Given my background, my interracial family, my public record and my personal beliefs, this would be hilarious except that it is probably being seen by a lot of people who have no idea who I am.”
Mayor Jim Gray had a similar response on Twitter, writing that his beliefs were contrary to what the KKK believed. Mayor Gray stated that he had no idea where the KKK list info originated, but Mayor Jim said the KKK list was wrong.
I am opposed to everything the KKK stands for. I have no idea where this information came from, but wherever it came from, it is wrong.
— Mayor Jim Gray (@JimGrayLexKY) November 2, 2015
While Mayor Gray called the list false and wrong, Mayor Rogero told folks via Facebook not to be ridiculous.
“So, just to be clear, for anyone who doesn’t know me: Don’t be ridiculous. I began my political career working for the rights of farm workers with Cesar Chavez. I have spent decades working for causes of social justice and equality. As Mayor, I have pushed for diversity in our workforce and outreach to and inclusion of people of all backgrounds in our community. In concert with President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper program, I began the Save Our Sons initiative to increase opportunities and reduce violence-related deaths among boys and young men of color. I have advocated publicly for LGBT civil rights, and I was the only mayor in Tennessee to sign onto the mayors’ amicus brief for the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court’s marriage equality case. In short, I don’t think the KKK would want anything to do with me.”
Meanwhile, the alleged list of KKK names continues to get views on Pastebin, and folks in turn are turning to Google to figure out the names of the people that Anonymous published on the so-called KKK list.
#OpKKK me watching all these KKK members get exposed pic.twitter.com/QjEIvpntpS
— aliyah (@AliyahKorea) November 2, 2015
[Photo by Christopher Furlong / Getty Images]