Float in Pennsylvania parade had person in chains resembling Harris

A float at a Halloween parade in Pennsylvania is sparking sharp criticism, as many called its depictions of former President Trump and Vice President Harris "racist and offensive."

Several photos and videos circulating online show a person wearing a mask of Trump, standing alongside a sniper atop a small vehicle, leading someone who resembles Harris, with a rope or chains around her wrists and mock Secret Service agents looking on.

The event was sponsored by the Mount Pleasant Borough Volunteer Fire Department. The borough issued a statement explaining there was no vetting process for the floats because no similar incidents had occurred in the past.

"To say that the display was appalling and caused concern not only to the residents of the Borough of Mount Pleasant and the dedicated volunteer members of the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department is an understatement," the borough said in a statement.

"Please know that this type of display is not condoned or acceptable by the Borough of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department now or ever," it added.

Mount Pleasant's Volunteer Fire Department, which has sponsored the parade for more than 70 years, also condemned the float in a statement on Thursday.

"We, the members of the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for allowing the offensive participants to take part in the Mount Pleasant Annual Halloween Parade last evening. 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 fire department said.

The fire department added that while it has traditionally provided safety and traffic control at the parade, it will be reviewing its planning processes to prevent a similar event from occurring again.

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) made a thread of posts on the social platform X on Friday, also denouncing the float.

"I’m horrified by the disgusting display of hate at this week’s Halloween parade in Mount Pleasant. Depicting Vice President Harris in chains at the hands of her opponent is grounded symbolism from our country’s painful past," she wrote in the post.

McClinton called for other state leaders to speak out against the "hate," while calling on "those responsible need to be held accountable."

The Hill has contacted the Harris and Trump campaigns for comment.