Trick or treaters arrive at the White House October 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. UPI/Brendan Smialowski/POOL | License Photo

EL PASO, Texas, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Neighbors say a rifle-toting Texas woman posted a racist sign for Halloween that read: "No blacks welcomed to trick-or-treat."

Eddie and Anita Walker told the El Paso (Texas) Times they were shocked when they saw the sign on the El Paso property of Marta Martinez, 53.


"It does not reflect our philosophy at all," said Eddie Walker who spent his first Halloween in the multi-racial neighborhood.

Andre Sherman, 30, who is black, moved his family next door to Martinez in January.

"I understand she may feel that way toward blacks. She doesn't have to advertise it," said Sherman. "The whole spirit of Halloween is for the kids."

Martinez told the Times she posted the sign last week because blacks are conspiring with the city to take property.

She said she has filed more than 25 lawsuits and staged several protests.

In addition to the Halloween sign, Martinez has posted a no-trespassing sign that mentions the Castle Doctrine law allowing homeowners to use deadly force to defend themselves.

Sherman and other neighbors have reported seeing Martinez carrying a rifle.