Earlier this month, the KKK threatened to use “lethal force” in the city of Ferguson, Missouri. The threats were made amid tension and unrest surrounding the shooting death of Michael Brown. In response to the threat, “hacktivist” group Anonymous said they were prepared to unveil the identities of the KKK members, and release their personal information.
As promised, Anonymous has now released the identities and personal information belonging to suspected members of the Ku Klux Klan. Their main target was Frank Ancona, who is the grand wizard of the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.
As reported by Raw Story , Anonymous obtained enough information to disconnect Ancona’s electricity and telephone . They also hacked the grand wizard’s social media accounts in an attempt to expose other suspected members of the KKK.
The ongoing battle between Anonymous and the KKK was sparked by a Ferguson shooting. On August 9, Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed by officer Darren Wilson. Although the specific details are unclear, the incident remains highly controversial. As the teen was unarmed, many believe the shooting was racially motivated .
Following Brown’s death, the community erupted into civil unrest — which continues to this day. Amid the ongoing tension, members of the Ku Klux Klan distributed fliers, which contained a strong warning.
“You have been warned by the Ku Klux Klan! There will be consequences for your actions against the peaceful, law abiding citizens of Missouri.”
As reported by the Huffington Post , the fliers were sanctioned by grand wizard Ancona. In an interview, Ancona said the fliers were not meant incite violence. He contends the message was designed to help “the people of Missouri… defend” themselves if they are “being attacked.”
Anonymous was not impressed or swayed by Ancona’s explanation. The “hacktivist” group vowed to release Ancona’s personal information and data online.
We’ll just leave this here: http://t.co/t1lAZymDU4 http://t.co/tSlmwmeH3T #OpKKK
— Ku Klux Klan (@KuKluxKlanUSA) November 25, 2014
Although Michael Brown’s shooting was examined by a Ferguson grand jury, Darren Wilson was not indicted. In response to the grand jury’s decision, Anonymous issued another grim warning.
“We find it disturbing that you, the grand jury, have chose this path as everyone will not choose to stand calm and let you choose to let him walk free… Anonymous shall target any Missouri government or bank sites now, so you better increase your security because we’re here and we’re not going to stand by and watch you let this man walk free.”
In addition to the new warning, Anonymous also released detailed personal information belonging to suspected KKK members throughout Ferguson and the surrounding region.
[Image via ReviewInc]