Although Connor was not a recorded member of the third incarnation of the [[Ku Klux Klan]], he directly enabled Klan violence in Alabama, refusing to take actions against Klansmen responsible for bombings.<ref name=alencyclopediabio/> When Klansmen viciously assaulted the Freedom Riders, Connor ordered Birmingham city police to refrain from restoring order. The Birmingham police department was "infiltrated" by the Klan, with whom "Connor maintained a close relationship with":<ref name=speaktruthtopower/> | Although Connor was not a recorded member of the third incarnation of the [[Ku Klux Klan]], he directly enabled Klan violence in Alabama, refusing to take actions against Klansmen responsible for bombings.<ref name=alencyclopediabio/> When Klansmen viciously assaulted the Freedom Riders, Connor ordered Birmingham city police to refrain from restoring order. The Birmingham police department was "infiltrated" by the Klan, with whom "Connor maintained a close relationship with":<ref name=speaktruthtopower/> |