Police say safety concerns caused officers to escort KKK through NC city

ROXBORO, N.C. — A North Carolina police chief is defending his department’s decision to escort the Ku Klux Klan through his town.

Officers blocked streets Saturday in Roxboro as 20 cars flew KKK and Confederate flags, Channel 9's partner, WTVD, reported.

The chief said officers used an unmarked car to avoid attention and help the caravan move faster through town. The group was gone in about five minutes.

Some people were concerned police used taxpayer money to usher a hate group, but the chief said safety was their focus.

“Our actions were to quickly facilitate their departure without allowing the opportunity for physical harm to anyone,” Chief David Hess said.

Hess said they were notified of the event an hour before it happened, giving them no time to notify the community.

Officers discussed moving the group’s route, but they decided it could take more resources and possibly cause violence.

None of the KKK members were from Roxboro.

"I share in your pain, anger, and displeasure with the group choosing Roxboro," Hess said.

Cox Media Group