Bucks County NAACP asks Bristol homeowner to remove Halloween display of hanging figures

The Bucks County NAACP is asking a Bristol Borough homeowner to take down a Halloween yard display showing figures resembling bodies hanging from a tree. The homeowner has said the decorations will stay up through Halloween, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia.

The display includes five body-like shapes wrapped in black plastic, bound with duct tape and hung by nooses from a large tree, both outlets reported. The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing NBC10 video, said at least two tall costumed creatures also stand nearby.

Resident Karla Scott raised the issue at a recent borough council meeting, calling the display inappropriate and harmful to the community. FOX 29 reported that Scott said the scene made her think of her ancestors. "My mind went back to what my ancestors went through being hung from trees with nooses around their neck," she said, according to FOX 29. The Inquirer reported that Scott asked for someone to speak with the person responsible.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe told the meeting the borough acted quickly. "Our inspector was there the next day," he said, as reported by FOX 29. According to the Inquirer, DiGuiseppe said the homeowner declined to remove the figures and that the borough has no rule barring such a display. FOX 29 also reported that no local ordinance prohibits it, and that Scott hopes officials will reconsider that.

In a social media statement, the Bucks County NAACP said that for Black Americans, imagery of this kind recalls the history of lynching and racial terror. The group said its request was not an effort to limit Halloween celebrations or free expression, and that while a display may be legal, the effect on neighbors matters regardless of intent. The Inquirer reported that the NAACP received a complaint on Oct. 7 and has been in contact with borough leaders.

The homeowner, who has not been publicly identified, told FOX 29 the decorations were meant only for Halloween and that there was no other agenda behind them. The homeowner also said they were sorry if anyone was offended. The Inquirer reported that the resident was not immediately available to comment.

FOX 29 described community reaction as mixed. One resident said she could understand why people were upset and would remove the decorations to keep the peace, while another said that even if offense was not intended, the homeowner might consider changing the display.

It is not yet clear whether borough officials will take further steps or revisit local rules on displays of this type, FOX 29 reported.

Compiled by True News from reporting by FOX 29 Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/204