The Anti-Defamation League’s Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Region today applauded the recent out-of-court settlement of a civil lawsuit brought by the St. Joseph County, Indiana, Building Commissioner against the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

The lawsuit included an allegation that the National Knights of the KKK used a five-acre piece of property in Osceola, Indiana, owned by a Klan member, as an illegal shooting range. Under the agreement, firearms usage is prohibited on the property, except for hunting by National Knights leader Richard Loy and his children.

"We are pleased that the county’s settlement of the lawsuit will finally silence the gunfire on the Klan property, which has threatened the safety of neighboring residents for months," said Richard S. Hirschhaut, Director of ADL’s Chicago Regional Office.

"This settlement stands as a crucial step toward containing the extremist menace in Osceola. We are confident that local authorities will remain resolute in their response to Klan activity. This action is an initial step in the ongoing community efforts to contain the continuing threat posed by the National Knights."

After being contacted by residents neighboring the Klan property, ADL became directly involved in outreach efforts to stem threatening Klan activity. Prior to that time, the League had been monitoring the activities of the National Knights. However, only direct communication with these residents truly conveyed the state of fear and siege under which they live on a day-to-day basis. Due to the frequent use of firearms, increased presence of armed skinheads, and hateful messages shouted from the nearby Klan property, the residents became increasingly concerned for their families’ personal safety, and the subjection of their children to messages of profound hatred and intolerance.

ADL outreach efforts in Osceola have included meetings with the Commissioner of Zoning, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Mayors of South Bend and Mishawaka, County Commissioners, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as local media.

Subsequent to these outreach efforts, Klan leader Rick Loy was arrested on felony intimidation charges and St. Joseph County brought its lawsuit against the National Knights. ADL will continue to act as an advocate on behalf of Osceola residents threatened by gunfire and other Klan activity on the neighboring property.

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