Akron Mayor Shammis Malik, and Acting Police Chief Brian Harding are asking citizens for tips to help them find out who is behind the distribution of a racist flyer that includes contact information for a  Ku Klux Klan group based in Kentucky.

The flyer, which a city resident found on their doorstep, includes racist caricatures of Black people and the text, “Arm Yourselves WHITE People!!” 

In response, Malik and Harding released this joint statement: 

"“We want to be extremely clear: Racism and hate have no place in our community, and we find the flyer to be disgusting and offensive. We’re aware that these flyers have been placed in other Northeast Ohio communities and we are talking with other cities to gather further information. We encourage anyone with knowledge of these flyers or who has received one themselves to please contact the police department. This vile flyer does not represent the and welcoming city that we call home, and we stand firmly against those who would deliver this type of material to our residents.”

In addition, they advise that If you have received a flyer or have information about these flyers, to please call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.

You can also provide anonymous information to any of the following:

• The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS
• Text TIPSCO with your tips to 27463
• Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411, or by accessing the link on the Akron police website, www.AkronCops.org.