Here’s one of those stories that makes you just say, “Good grief.” The North Carolina branch of the KKK, who call themselves “The Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan,” has been granted a permit to hold a rally on the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse on July 18th.

They’re upset about the possible removal of the Confederate flag, and they’ve called alleged mass murderer Dylann Roof “a young warrior.”

Robert Jones, grand dragon for the group, said on Monday that the Klan is a civil rights organization dedicated to white culture and history as symbolized by the rebel banner.

During a phone interview, Jones gave words of support for Roof, saying he erred in going after black people while they worshipped. On the Klan group’s telephone answering machine is a recorded message that refers to Roof as a warrior.

[…]

“He was heading in the right direction; wrong target,” Jones said. “He should have actually aimed at the African-American gang-bangers, the ones who are selling the drugs to white youth, the ones who are robbing and raping every chance they get.”