A Fourth of July parade float in Muscatine, Iowa, featuring a woman on horseback leading another woman, seemingly bound and dressed in Native American attire, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and confusion on social media.

The controversial display during Tuesday's parade prompted widespread debate online, with many questioning the intent behind the portrayal. Some speculated whether it was meant as a critique of the historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples or a disturbing endorsement of such actions.

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark addressed the incident, stating that he had communicated with the group responsible. They claimed their objective was to honor the Cherokee Nation and shed light on the injustices its members faced.

Megan Burton, the woman riding the horse, explained to the Quad-City Times that the presentation was on behalf of Cherokee National Treasure, an organization that recognizes distinguished Cherokee individuals. Burton asserted that both she and the woman who appeared bound are of Native American heritage.

The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the parade's organizer, released a statement distancing themselves from the display, emphasizing that they "do not condone this behavior and this entry does not represent our community."