Continuity mistake: When an agent is telling the major the story about the guy that was cut with a razor blade he throws his gloves on the table. Their position changes between shots.
Continuity mistake: In the opening sequences where the Klan is after the civil rights kids, the Sheriff's car ('57 Chevrolet) doesn't have the red light beacon on top. The red light isn't seen until right before the civil rights workers' Ford station wagon is stopped.
Answer: The Mayor (played by R Lee Ermey) who had been told the story of Homer Wilkes and threatened with castration earlier on.
Chimera