Huntington officials react to Halloween KKK horseback ride

Huntington Mayor Richard Strick, county commissioners, and state senators condemned a Halloween incident in Huntington, Indiana, after images of a couple riding horses in Ku Klux Klan costumes spread online. The ride occurred on Saturday through residential neighborhoods where families were trick-or-treating. The visual documentation triggered a wave of social media backlash over the weekend, prompting formal responses from local government officials.

Huntington County Commissioner President Rob Miller told 21Alive News that the community cannot treat the event as a minor prank. He stated that it was unconscionable for someone to reenact such a dark chapter of history in costume. Miller argued that the display represented the racism and violence that plagued the nation for years.

State Senator Nick McKinley, who represents Senate District 17 covering Huntington, Grant, and Wabash counties, also issued a statement regarding the incident. The woman involved declined an on-camera interview but communicated with reporters via Facebook messages on Monday. She had previously posted to a local community group that the group included one ghost from the KKK, two ghost horses, and one regular ghost.

When asked if her explanation minimized the offense, the woman defended her choice. She stated that while some people were offended, it did not give them the right to attack people who had not attacked anyone. She clarified that the group was not composed of Klan members or racists and did not physically harm anyone. The woman told reporters the costumes were worn for approximately 30 minutes.

She described the situation as being blown out of proportion, claiming the group was not trying to send a message. The woman alleged that the backlash has escalated into targeted threats against her family and animals. She asked news outlets to address the doxing, defamation, and harassment, noting specific death threats and threats to steal horses.

Roderick Parker, founder of Big Hearts Community Projects, said the community must turn anger into an opportunity for education. Parker, whose daughter grew up in Huntington, told 21Alive News that the display represented racism and hatred of humanity. He noted that such a sight sparks immediate fear and outrage.

Parker stressed that reacting solely with hostility will not solve underlying issues. He suggested that moving with anger only creates more anger, and the community should focus on lifting the anger off the situation through education and unity. He proposed a face-to-face meeting between the couple and local leaders to bridge gaps and understand different views.

When asked if she and her boyfriend would consider the meeting, the woman expressed willingness to discuss it. She said it would have to be something she and her partner discussed, but called it a possibility.