A Halloween parade in Westmoreland County on Wednesday night came under fire after a person who appeared to be dressed as Vice President Kamala Harris walked in chains on a golf cart carrying American flags and Donald Trump campaign signs, according to multiple news outlets.

The parade, held in Mount Pleasant, received a lot of attention on social media, with negative comments calling the float racist and intolerant. One participant sent the following images to “X”: It used to be Twitter.

The golf cart’s float appears to have what appears to be a rifle resting on the roof, and two people, one dressed as Trump, stand in the bed of the cart. Walking behind the car was another person wearing red pants that appeared to depict Harris in chains.

Several people wearing dark suits and sunglasses, like Secret Service agents, also surrounded the golf cart, multiple news outlets reported.

Borough Mayor Diane Bailey said the Mount Pleasant Halloween parade was sponsored by the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, not the township itself. Pittsburgh’s Action News #4.

“The city had no role in that parade,” Bailey said. WESA. “As far back as I can remember, this has been handled and organized by the fire department, and I’m old. “We were observers, like the citizens who went out, and we were as shocked as everyone else.”

The fire department released a statement on Thursday. Facebookapologizing for the “aggressive participants.”

“We do not share the values ​​these participants represent, and we understand how this may have hurt or offended members of our community. We have been proud to sponsor this parade for over 70 years, and its purpose has always been to support the children of our community.” expression in question.

The parades are first-come, first-served, an official with the fire department said, adding that they are generally present to ensure public safety and traffic control. However, the statement stated that they would review their planning processes to avoid future incidents.

Milan McFall, chair of the Westmoreland County Democratic Party, said: Action News 4 The float provoked a strong reaction from many people in the community.

“People are upset about this. And I think we’re five days away from the most contentious election in a county that hasn’t always been at peace with itself. You know, we’ve seen political violence in this county,” McFall said.

Mount Pleasant resident Josh Huff said: TribLive He initially thought the float was another part of the contentious election cycle, but then saw the person portraying Harris walking behind a golf cart.

“I couldn’t believe this was allowed to go down the main street of my town,” said Huff, who called the demonstration a “shocking display of hate.”

“This is too much. “This should definitely not happen in a children’s parade,” he added.

Bill Bretz, chairman of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee, also condemned the demonstration. Action News 4.

“We absolutely do not condone political arrest or simulation of violence in any context, regardless of the party affiliation of those involved,” he said.

Daylong Davis, President of the Pittsburgh Branch of the NAACP, issued a statement labeling the float “offensive.”

“We are deeply disturbed by the inclusion of an offensive display in this year’s Mount Pleasant Halloween Parade. Depicted is Vice President Kamala Harris, a Black woman bound in chains, being driven by a vehicle emblazoned with former President Donald Trump’s name. This horrific depiction goes beyond the realm of Halloween satire or free expression; “It is a harmful symbol that evokes the painful history of violence, oppression, and racism that Black and Brown communities in America have long endured.”

“By allowing this demonstration, organizers have sent a disturbing message that demeans and dehumanizes Black and Brown individuals. Such images reinforce a dangerous narrative by implicitly suggesting that Black individuals are bound in chains. Such a demonstration is a violation of our society today or of inclusivity, respect, and It has no place in any community that values ​​human dignity.”

Bailey said the district will have more to say in a statement Friday. Located about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh, Mount Pleasant had a population of 4,245 according to the 2020 Census.