Mount Pleasant, PA, Fire Officials Apologize after Depiction of VP Harris in Parade
The annual Halloween parade in Mount Pleasant had the usual ghosts, gobblins, super heroes and clowns.
But one entry and the parade organizer -- Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department -- are coming under fire from residents, community leaders and elected officials.
A woman in a pants suit -- portraying Vice President Kamala Harris -- was led in chains that were hooked to the back of a truck occuplied by two men dressed like Secret Service agents and another depicting a sniper who was holding a weapon. The truck was adorned with a Trump banner.
Mount Pleasant Mayor Diane Bailey told WTAE the parade has been going on for 70 years without incident. But, that display "has shocked residents more than they can ever say."
Officials from both sides of the aisle agreed the float was in poor taste.
"We certainly don't condone the simulation of political imprisonment or violence in any context, no matter what the party affiliation of those involved," said Bill Bretz, chair of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee.
The chair of the Westmoreland County Democratic Party. Michelle Milan McFall said, "It's vile. It's heartbreaking. It's concerning. And I think it's also got an element of danger. Again, we're living in this climate where people aren't just thinking about hatred and feeling it in their guts and bones. They're acting on it. We have to take down the temperature."
Mount Pleasant fire officials released a statement after the backlash.
"We, the members of the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for allowing the offensive participants to take part in the Mount Pleasant Annual Halloween Parade last evening. We do not share in the values represented by those participants, and we understand how it may have hurt or offended members of our community. We’re proud to have sponsored this parade for over 70 years and its goal has always been to support our community's children. We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that our future events celebrate the diversity and spirit of our community in a positive way.
The annual Halloween Parade is a first come, first serve event and we have traditionally only provided safety & traffic control. We will be reviewing our planning processes to prevent a situation like this from happening again. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to make our events more welcoming for everyone."
The head of the local NAACP Daylon Davis strongly condemned the racist float.
"In allowing this display, the organizers have sent a troubling message that demeans and dehumanizes Black and Brown individuals. This kind of imagery reinforces a dangerous narrative, implicitly suggesting that Black individuals belong in chains. Such a display has no place in our society today or any community that values inclusivity, respect, and human dignity."
