BRISTOL, Conn. — The Bristol Police Department is investigating a recent social media post that has been deemed "hate speech."
The post was made by what police said is a "white supremacist group," and in the photo, a group is seen holding flares and a sign that says "Keep CT White."
Police believe the gathering happened on or about Saturday, Aug. 19 in the area of Route 72 and Todd. St.
Bristol police are working with federal and state law enforcement partners to investigate the gathering.
Police did not identify the group's name and which social media platform the group posted the photo to avoid promoting the group.
Rep. John B. Larson released a statement condemning a white supremacist incident that occurred in Bristol:
“I’m proud to stand with and by the people of Bristol, who understand that whether in Bristol or any community in Connecticut or the United States of America, hate and the vitriol associated with it have no place,” said Larson. “I stand in solidarity with everyone who has spoken out and come together to condemn white supremacy. Unfortunately, the racist incident that occurred in Bristol is not an isolated or remote occurrence and cannot be ignored.
“We have seen a rise in hate crimes and incidents of prejudice all across the country. Just this past weekend, the same day that we marked the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, three Black Americans lost their lives to a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville, Florida,” Larson continued. “As Americans, diversity is our strength and what makes us great, yet extremist groups like the one that gathered in Bristol aim to divide us by giving racism and bigotry a platform right here in Connecticut – from social media pages to the street corners of our neighborhoods.
"The Bristol Police Department continues to stand with all members of our community and always condemns groups of hate in the strongest possible way," Bristol police said in a statement.
Anyone with information on this event is asked to call Detective Ward at 860-584-3039, anonymously at 860-585-TIPS (8477) or via email at BPDCrimeWatch@bristolct.gov.
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