Image credits - ABC News
Advertisement
In a disturbing incident, signs displaying “hateful, discriminatory” messages referencing Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris were found posted at several bus stops around Denver, Colorado, overnight Thursday. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) reported that the signs, which contained offensive content, were affixed to bus stop poles with rivets and may have been installed shortly before they were discovered.
One of the signs, as shown in images published by ABC affiliate KMGH, included a provocative message drawing comparisons between the treatment of migrants and Jim Crow-era segregation of Black Americans.”Blacks must sit at the back of the bus,” the placard stated. The migrants from Kamala sit up front.”
The event is being investigated by the Denver Police Department (DPD) as a crime with bias motivation. The DPD said that they are “gathering evidence with the goal of holding the perpetrator accountable” in an email to ABC News. In order to look into the location of the signs and see if there was a coordinated effort behind them, the police are working with other local authorities and agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI).
In addition to the Denver incidents, the RTD reported that similar signs have appeared at a bus stop managed by the Chicago Transit Authority, roughly 1,000 miles away. The RTD is connecting with other transit agencies to evaluate the potential for a coordinated campaign.A local individual, who identifies as a Republican activist, has claimed responsibility for the signs. However, this claim has not been verified by authorities.
Governor Jared Polis condemned the signs in a statement on social media platform X, asserting, “There is no room for hate in our state.” He emphasized that the signs, which were funded by unidentified groups, were intended to incite fear and hatred. Polis praised the Denver Police for their swift response and expressed support for continued efforts to combat racism and discrimination in Colorado.
RTD echoed Polis’ sentiments, declaring in an emailed statement, “There is no place for racism or discrimination at RTD or within the communities we serve.” The agency reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all and denounced the vile messaging as contrary to the organization’s values.
The investigation continues as authorities work to remove any remaining signs and address the broader implications of this disturbing act.