San Diego County, CA, Sheriff Launches Criminal Probe of Man Wearing KKK Hood at Grocery

[left-of-center2012]

Social media users and local officials expressed outrage this weekend after photos emerged Saturday of a male shopper at the Santee, CA, Vons grocery wearing a makeshift Ku Klux Klan hood.

“Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department are looking into the matter and will pursue any appropriate criminal charges,” said a press release Monday, confirming an investigation reported late Sunday by Santee Mayor John Minto. “The Sheriff’s Department does not condone hate or any acts of intolerance in our communities. We are a county that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds.”

In a joint statement on behalf of the City Council and the City of Santee, Minto decried attire that “depicted a symbol of hatred. The citizens and Vons employees took steps to address the situation,” he said. “Many thanks to all who stepped forward to curtail this sad reminder of intolerance. Santee, its leaders, and I will not tolerate such behavior. Santee and its citizens are great, and this particular individual’s actions are not representative of us as a people and a wonderful city.”

On Saturday, photos taken about 5:40 p.m. began circulating of a middle-age man in cargo shorts and untucked tan shirt wearing a Klan hood in a store’s produce department. “Several employees came over together and told the man to either remove the hood or he would have to leave, so he removed the hood,” said a tweet.

A spokeswoman for Vons — a Fullerton-based unit of Albertsons — said in a statement Sunday:
Several members of our team asked the customer to remove it, and all requests were ignored until the customer was in the checkout area. This was a disturbing incident for our associates and customers, and we are reviewing with our team how to best handle such inappropriate situations in the future.

https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2020/05/03/sheriff-launches-criminal-probe-of-man-wearing-kkk-hood-at-santee-vons/

[redstatebluegirl]

1. He is a pretty ugly little terrorist. Looks like he lost his soap too.

[ret5hd]

2. Another example of genetic superiority!!!

Look at that profile! Look at that posture! Look at that grooming! I’m tellin’ ya’, hardly a finer specimen exists!

[Chainfire]

4. Really

This guy thinks he is a part of the "Master Race." Maybe a he can get a lesson in interracial relationships while serving a little time in the county country club, where everyone is welcome.

[chia]

3. Santee has a reputation (Klantee) because of these kinds of incidents.

Used to live there, and no, not everyone is a racist. But East County (of San Diego county) has more than its share of racists and white supremacists. This is a known fact but it's unusual to see it this blatant. I've been in that Vons store many, many times.

[uponit7771]

5. But MAGA Hats are allowed ?!

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Nothing But A Punk

Also, a coward. If he's so committed to his dumbass philosophy, why hide his face? Because he's a coward.

[forthemiddle]

7. This guy is a stupid, ignorant racist

But how is it illegal? What law limits someone’s ability to wear a KKK hood?

If he’s not threatening anyone, how is it illegal?

I applaud the store making him remove it, in fact I think they should have just kicked him out, I just don’t see it as illegal in light of the First Ammendment.

If he refused to leave, that’s trespassing. If he threatened anyone, that would be harassment, or disturbing the peace. But can a State or city make wearing a hood illegal? Just asking.....

[drthais]

8. I'll tell you why it's a 'threat'

ask any black man, woman, or child in this country
whether or not this feels threatening to them;
there is your answer.
It is intimidation and suggests violence of the worst kind.

I do not personally think this is any better than yelling 'FIRE' in a movie theater

[forthemiddle]

9. I agree in principle

I am just trying to figure out why it would be illegal? I am just asking for the statute, not whether you think it should be illegal. Does the city, or State have an ordinance, and what does it say. I just don’t see how it would pass Constitutional muster.

I have no problem with the store not allowing it on their property. In fact I think they should have kicked him out, not just allowed him to remove the hood.

[Hekate]

10. The right to free speech/free expression is far from unlimited. There's a lot more restrictions...

...on the First Amendment than there are on the Second.

You'd have to go through court cases upheld by federal courts and by the SCOTUS, not the Constitution itself. That's where the interpretation will be found.

[LakeArenal]

11. If they can refuse service for no shirt no shoes...

They can say no racially divisive hats, guns, or flags.

Free speech is not calling people n’s or c’s.

Bars can refuse service, I’m guessing a grocery store can refuse service.

Not to mention the Stay at Home requirement.

Does free speech on private property hold?

I don’t think so.

[forthemiddle]

13. I never questioned the stores ability to suppress his speech

In fact I think they should have gone further by kicking him out, and barring him from ever coming back.

I am questioning the legality of the police, and DA charging him with a crime. That’s a whole different standard.

[Baked Potato]

12. He should have just left. Won't turn out good for him.