White Couple Under FBI Investigation for Alleged Racial Harassment Against Black Neighbors

FBI investigating white South Carolina couple accused of burning cross to harass black neighbors. Federal agents are delving into allegations of racial discrimination in South Carolina after a white couple, Worden Butler and Alexis Hartnett, were accused of harassing and stalking their Black neighbors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has executed “court-authorized law enforcement activity” related to an ongoing criminal civil rights investigation. Steve Jensen, FBI special agent in charge with the Columbia division, stated, “We are dedicated to ensuring equality and fairness within our communities.”

“We will seek justice to the greatest extent of the law with our local and regional partners.”Joseph Hill, Horry County Police Department Chief

Last month, the 28-year-old pair was detained for racially motivated harassment and stalking. The police reported that Butler swore at one victim “in reference to her being Black.” The pair set fire to a cross facing their neighbours’ home during Thanksgiving weekend. Even after cops told Hartnett to return home, she allegedly shouted a racial slur towards the victims.

“The victims feel that the suspects are a danger to their safety, and the incidents are getting more frequent and threatening,” the report said.

Worden Butler allegedly posted a photo of the victims’ mailbox with their address on Facebook. In the post, he mentioned “summoning the devil’s army” without considering the ramifications.

Butler and Hartnett were detained on Nov. 30 for second-degree harassment, a misdemeanour. Hartnett was also charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanour. They were released the next day.

Chief Joseph Hill of Horry County Police said, “Horry County will not accept hate and harassment. The perpetrators will be held accountable for their harm to victims and Horry County.”

The claimed behaviours are severe, but South Carolina has no hate crime law. The NAACP and Council on American-Islamic Relations have supported a hate crime law despite State House opposition.

Following the couple’s arrest, calls for hate crime legislation in South Carolina have grown. In the previous three years, the state has attempted to adopt a hate crime measure. These efforts have been hampered, and proponents say a legislative framework is needed to address such events.

After Butler and Hartnett’s horrific episodes, civil rights groups like the NAACP and CAIR have increased their drive for a hate crime bill. The lack of additional hate crime sanctions in South Carolina emphasises the need for comprehensive legislation that recognises and punishes bias and discrimination.

Federal involvement by the FBI emphasises the charges’ severity and probable civil rights violations. The study seeks to determine the scope of racial discrimination accusations and provide justice to victims.

The judicial processes have garnered national attention, generating arguments about the necessity for consistent and strong hate crime laws throughout jurisdictions. The event in Conway, South Carolina, highlights minority communities’ struggles and the need for laws that openly denounce and punish bigotry.

The FBI investigation and legal actions against Worden Butler and Alexis Hartnett will undoubtedly shape hate crime laws. This conviction may spur South Carolina and other states with loopholes in hate crime statutes to establish comprehensive measures.

The FBI’s extensive investigation emphasises the claims’ gravity and the incidents’ societal consequences. Federal and state justice is essential to sending a clear message that racially motivated harassment and violence will not be tolerated, creating a safer, more inclusive community.

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