Hate flyers found in Coeur d'Alene

Karen Mellow said she cares about Coeur d’Alene and believes in unity of people. 

That’s why the 12 pages containing antisemitism she found on her property Tuesday was upsetting. 

“I know how to think between black and white extremism, and this is extremism,” she said. “It’s propagation of hate. That’s not what our country is about.” 

The printed material primarily targeted Jewish people, blaming them for a number of things. It was found on sidewalks and properties of neighborhoods south of Harris Avenue on Monday and Tuesday. 

It was sealed in plastic with the statement, “These flyers were distributed randomly without malicious intent.” It contained a sticker that referenced White Lives Matter. It also included references to Bible verses. 

Mellow, who has lived in her Sixth Street home more than 30 years, didn’t open it. 

“I know what it is,” she said. “It's not worth my time.” 

Coeur d’Alene Police Capt. Dave Hagar said they did not receive any calls from citizens about the flyers. He said, without having a chance to read the material in detail, they did not appear to be inciting violence and may be protected by free speech. 

Jeannette Laster, executive director of the Human Rights Institute Foundation, said she received several calls about the flyers Monday and Tuesday. 

“Based on what I’m seeing, it’s antisemitic,” she said.  

She said the distribution of such flyers is considered “advocacy” by white supremacist groups and a requirement for membership.  

They could have been distributed by someone who lives in the area, is familiar with Coeur d’Alene, or was passing through, she said. 

She said white supremacist groups prey on individuals who may not have a good home life or are rejected by their peers. 

HREI tries to counter that with programs. 

“The best way to keep young people out of that is to offer positive alternative programs where they feel they belong and are accepted,” Laster said. 

She urged anyone who received the flyer to call police or at least, destroy it. She said HREI would be happy to do so.

“Our community wants equality and everyone can feel welcome,” she said. 

Laster said those behind the flyer spent money to print and package "a lot of hate language." 

"We can send a simple and clear message of disagreement and inclusivity by destroying the literature so our vulnerable youth do not get a hold of it and are not recruited to extremism groups or ideology," Laster said.