CAMPBELLFORD, Ont. — A Ku Klux Klan costume awarded first prize at a Halloween party at a Royal Canadian Legion was “poor judgment,” but not criminal, police said Wednesday.
A man dressed in a KKK robe, complete with hood and a Confederate flag on his back led another man in blackface around by a rope tied in a noose around his neck at the Halloween party in Campbellford, Ont., on Saturday night. A witness said the act was awarded top honours.
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Chris Dewsbury said police received a complaint and launched an investigation. So far it seems unlikely criminal charges will be laid, but the investigation is ongoing, Dewsbury said.
“At the present time it would appear that this is simply a case of poor judgment involving the selection of a Halloween costume and there’s no basis to suggest that a criminal offence has taken place,” he said.
The investigator has conducted interviews, Dewsbury said, but he wasn’t able to say if the people involved in the costume were among those interviewed.
A photo of the two showing the noose around the neck of the man in blackface was splashed across websites and TV broadcasts.
Legion branch president Joy Herrington issued a statement Tuesday saying she apologizes and the events at the party in no way reflect the views of the eastern Ontario legion branch or its members.
Patricia Varga, Dominion president of the Royal Canadian Legion said in a statement from Ottawa that she “sincerely regrets” the incident.
“I am satisfied that the president (of the) Ontario command of the legion has handled this matter in a forthright and speedy manner since finding out about it,” Varga said.
“Once the investigation has been completed, the legion will take the necessary actions based on its bylaws,” she added.
“I also want the citizens of Canada and the members of the organization to know that this behaviour is not condoned by the legion nor is it reflective of its members.”
Trent Hills municipality Mayor Hector Macmillan called the incident an unfortunate error.
“I believe that there’s been a mistake made, that they should never have been allowed in the legion,” he told local radio station CJTN.
“It’s an unfortunate incident and I find it appalling, but it’s not something that’s indicative of our community.”