Gaston County residents find flyers in yards supporting controversial statue

GASTONIA, N.C. — The controversy over a Confederate statue in front of the Gaston County courthouse continues after leaders recently voted to relocate it.

Many residents said Wednesday they were not happy to find the flyer in their yards with a copy of a paper said to be linked with a neo-Confederate movement.

Channel 9 could not get in contact William Carter, who is also listed as the creator of the flyer and editor of the paper.

The flyers were dropped in flower beds on front yards and driveways in the Lansdown subdivision.

The letter invites people to a rally to save the Confederate monument in front of the Gaston County Courthouse.

Commissioners voted Monday to have it moved.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Gaston County leaders vote to relocate controversial Confederate statue
• Protesters meet with commissioners over Gaston County Confederate statue

Residents in Pine Haven don’t know why the flyers were distributed in their neighborhood.

“Other than the fact that it’s an established older neighborhood, I have no idea why they did,” said Benjamin Griggs, a member of the community watch.

Residents said they don’t want to be thrust in the middle of the intense debate.

"What the world needs today is a little bit more love," Griggs said.

Channel 9 couldn't find Carter who penned and signed the letter left for residents.

The same letter with another call to action for Gastonia residents was posted on the Facebook page for the South Carolina Conservative Action Council.

The letter claims there was an "inside job" by commissioners, who rigged the vote to remove the monument.

"This is something I thought was more of a moral decision than a political decision," Commissioner Tom Keigher said.

Jay Muhammad served on the special committee, Council of Understanding, that recommended moving the statue and said he is disappointed to hear about the move to block it.

“With this, it’s not going to give us any peace and unity,” Muhammad said. “It’s going to start the division back up again.”

The flyer pushes for a referendum to decide if the monument should be removed.

Commissioners said that kind of question can't legally be placed on a ballot.

They are moving ahead with plans to give the monument to the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Gaston County leaders vote to relocate controversial Confederate statue Gaston County leaders vote to relocate controversial Confederate statue

Cox Media Group