Katie Kyros: A Ku Klux Klan group has now been granted permission to hold a rally at Gettysburg National Military Park on Taneytown Road.
The National Park Service says it preserves historic resources, making them “available to all Americans, even those whose views are contrary to the majority of the American public.”
The group is called the Confederate White Knights and it’s based in Maryland. Their leader says they’re planning a small demonstration demanding proof of President Obama’s citizenship. The rally will be held on October 5th.
“I’m sure we’ll have counter-protestors, I’m not sure what they’re trying to protest other than we’re the Klan,” says Richard Preston, the group’s leader.
Meanwhile, the Adams County Unity Coalition will hold a unity event at the same time, at the Lutheran Seminary. It will feature music and kids’ activities.
“I think a lot of people are feeling the same way, that this isn’t something that we want in Gettysburg, this isn’t what Gettysburg is about,” says Ashley Andyshak Hayes of the Gettysburg YWCA.
The park says additional law enforcement will be there to keep visitors and demonstrators safe.