KKK fliers, given out in 3 neighborhoods, condemned by Suffolk officials

Suffolk County lawmakers and political leaders Tuesday denounced KKK fliers that have been distributed recently in three residential neighborhoods, calling for those responsible to come forward.

"There is no place for discrimination in Suffolk County. The KKK has a history of hatred and violence and we will not allow it to take root in Suffolk County. We need to stand together to oppose the voices of intolerance," said Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) at a news conference Tuesday.

Fliers purporting to be from the North Carolina-based Loyal White Knights of the KKK were reported by residents of Babylon Village and Shirley on Sunday morning. KKK material also was found in Hampton Bays in July and August.

"They are cowards who hide behind a veil and are too ashamed to stand by their beliefs publicly," said Legis. Kate M. Browning (WF-Shirley). "I call on these individuals to have the guts to put a face to their views."

"I was very disappointed and disturbed to learn that such a hateful piece of material was found in our area as well as elsewhere on Long Island," added Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, also the chairman of the county Democratic Party. "Whether it is here at home in the Town of Babylon or in society at large, there is simply no place for the intolerant viewpoints espoused in these pamphlets."

About two dozen elected officials gathered in the lobby of the Suffolk County Legislature in Smithtown to decry the fliers.

"Regardless of one's concerns and beliefs on immigration or any other legitimate public policy issue, there is absolutely no place for hatred or prejudice in Suffolk County ever," said Legis. Tom Cilmi (R-Bay Shore).

Brookhaven Supervisor Edward P. Romaine called the distribution of the fliers a "despicable act that cannot be condoned."

Browning asked that anyone who gets a pamphlet call the Suffolk County Police Department hate crimes unit at (631) 852-6323.