MT. PLEASANT, Pa. — The Halloween parade in Mount Pleasant, located outside Pittsburgh, has sparked significant outrage due to an offensive float depicting Vice President Kamala Harris. The incident occurred during Wednesday night’s parade, where participants showcased a utility vehicle adorned with American flags and campaign signs for former President Donald Trump.
The float featured individuals dressed as Secret Service agents, with what appeared to be a rifle mounted on top, while a person dressed as Vice President Harris was depicted as being chained up and walking behind the vehicle. Although the weapon was later confirmed to be a fake, the imagery was highly criticized for its insensitivity and implied violence.
Photos of the controversial float quickly spread across social media, eliciting a wave of negative responses. Many viewers described the portrayal as not only racist but also deeply offensive, prompting public apologies from local officials.
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The Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department issued a statement on Facebook, expressing regret for “allowing the offensive participants” to take part in the parade. They clarified, “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.” The department has historically focused on providing safety and traffic control for the event, but it did not elaborate on how this particular float was permitted or who was responsible for it.
In response to the backlash, the department committed to reviewing its planning processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. They expressed gratitude for the community’s understanding and support while working to make future events more inclusive.
Daylon A. Davis, president of the NAACP Pittsburgh branch, strongly condemned the float, stating, “This appalling portrayal goes beyond the realm of Halloween satire or free expression; it is a harmful symbol that evokes a painful history of violence, oppression, and racism that Black and Brown communities have long endured here in America.” He urged local leaders and event organizers to establish clearer guidelines to avoid such hateful displays, calling for an apology and a public commitment to anti-racist values that honor the dignity and equality of all individuals.
Mayor Diane Bailey also expressed her disapproval, stating, “I was appalled, angered, upset. This does not belong in this parade or in this town.” She noted that it falls upon the fire department to implement necessary changes, highlighting that they had never previously vetted parade participants.
