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The FBI is conducting a criminal civil rights investigation into a South Carolina couple accused of intimidating their Black neighbors with cross-burning and racial slurs, per WPDE.
On Wednesday (December 20), FBI agents surrounded the home of Worden Butler and Alexis Hartnett, who were charged last month with second-degree harassment for alleged threats against their Black neighbors.
Hartnett is also facing charges of third-degree assault and battery.
"We are working jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as our local and state partners, to thoroughly examine this matter, and we’re dedicated to ensuring equality and fairness within our communities," the FBI said in a statement. "We have also been in communication with local community organizations to understand their concerns surrounding this matter and to emphasize our commitment to fostering trust and accountability."
According to a police report, Hartnett repeatedly hurled racial slurs and referenced "having killed a Black woman in the past" during the November arrest.
“The actions of the perpetrators of the incident over Thanksgiving weekend are appalling and unacceptable. Such hate and harassment will not be tolerated in Horry County," police chief Joseph Hill said in a statement. "The individuals responsible will be held accountable for their actions and the hurt they have caused the victims and the greater Horry County community. In concert with our local and regional partners, we will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law."
"We will continue to support the victims and stand with them against such indecency. Hate and harassment have no place in Horry County," Hill added.
In the wake of their arrests, several civil rights organizations have called for a hate crime bill in South Carolina, which is only one of two states to not have a law addressing such crimes.
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