Virginia Gov. Northam's yearbook photo shows one man in blackface, another in KKK regalia

RICHMOND, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - A photo gallery from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook includes a picture of one man in black face, and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

Eastern Virginia Medical School has confirmed that the photo comes from its 1984 student-produced yearbook.

Although the picture does not specify whether Northam is one of the figures, the picture appears in a gallery labelled "Ralph Shearer Northam."

The label under the picture mentions Northam's alma mater, Virginia Military Institute, and cites his interests as "Pediatrics."

FOX 5 has reached out to Northam's office for comment.

Lieutenant Gov. Justin Fairfax's office says it will offer a statement shortly.

Virginia's General Assembly Leaders issued a statement demanding an explanation.

"This is a deeply disturbing and offensive photograph in need of an immediate explanation by the Governor."

Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves said in a statement that Northam should resign if the reports of the photos are accurate.

"I hope that this picture is inaccurate and that the Governor brings clarity to this issue. This has no place in Virginia," Reeves said.

The photo comes to light during a push by Virginia Democrats to loosen restrictions on late-term abortions, which has erupted into a fierce partisan clash.

Northam added fuel to the fire Wednesday by describing a hypothetical situation in a radio interview where an infant who is severely deformed or unable to survive after birth could be left to die. That prompted accusations from prominent Republicans that he supports infanticide.

Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner issued a statement condemning the photo, saying, "This photo is shocking and deeply offensive, all the more so because of Virginia's long and painful history of racism and violence toward African Americans. The Governor must now listen to the people and communities he has hurt, and carefully consider what comes next."