South Carolina became the focal point of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) search at a residence in Conway, marking a critical development in an ongoing civil rights investigation involving allegations of racial discrimination.
This move follows the recent harassment charges against Alexis Paige Hartnett and Worden Evander Butler of Horry County, as per CBS News.
FBI Probing Racial Discrimination in South Carolina
The FBI, working in collaboration with the US Attorney's Office and local and state partners, executed the "court-authorized law enforcement activity" to delve deeper into the accusations of racial discrimination. Steve Jensen, the FBI special agent in charge with the Columbia division, emphasized their commitment to ensuring equality and fairness within communities while providing limited details on the ongoing investigation.
The focus of the investigation stems from the allegations laid against Butler and Hartnett, both white residents, accused of racially motivated harassment and stalking against their Black neighbors.
According to incident reports, the couple allegedly targeted their neighbors with racial slurs and actions, creating an alarming atmosphere of hostility. Notably, the couple was arrested on November 30 on charges of harassment in the second degree and assault in the third degree.
The charges relate to incidents involving the erection of a burning cross facing their Black neighbors' home over the Thanksgiving weekend. During this incident, Butler is reported to have used racial slurs, and Hartnett continued to display inappropriate behavior even in the presence of law enforcement.
Further intensifying the situation, Butler allegedly shared a picture of the victims' mailbox on Facebook, along with a disturbing message summoning the "devil's army."
The victims, a retired couple named Shawn and Monica Williams, expressed fear for their safety, describing the harassment as "appalling and unacceptable," according to ABC News.
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Horry County Chief Calls For Hate Crime Laws in SC
Joseph Hill, Chief of the Horry County Police Department, denounced the reported incidents, making it clear that acts of hate and harassment will not be accepted within the county. In South Carolina, there is currently no specific law in place that would allow for additional punishment in cases of hate crimes.
This has led to calls from various organizations, such as the NAACP and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, urging the state to introduce a hate crime bill.
In a number of alleged incidents that commenced in late November, a couple stands accused of approaching the Williams family regarding construction activities taking place on their premises. In a series of events that followed, a cross was erected in front of the Williams' residence, while police body cam footage captured Hartnett using racial slurs.
During a recent interview, the victims shared the profound impact that their experiences have had on their family. Shawn Williams, in particular, disclosed that the relentless torment they have experienced has led them to contemplate the possibility of relocating elsewhere.
While South Carolina wrestles with the absence of hate crime legislation, the FBI's involvement signals a federal effort to address allegations of racial discrimination in this disturbing case, emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability in ensuring community safety and harmony, Daily Mail reported.
