Sheriff: State needs laws against hate crime, FBI contacted regarding case involving former Cardinal Newman student
town hall set for Thursday in wake of disturbing post by former Cardinal Newman student
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott held a press conference Thursday afternoon about the viral video of a former Cardinal Newman High School student making violent threats against black students.
Sheriff Lott said the student was arrested following the alert (July 13) and investigation into the post in a thread that was being circulated among students.
During a search of the teen’s home on July 17, 20 guns were recovered, Lott said.
The teen faces a misdemeanor charge and could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
During the press conference Lott said while it’s not against the law to be racist, the state needs tougher hate crime laws.
“This is an example why we need a state law against hate crimes. Our legislators have got to take action.”
— Maria Szatkowski (@MariaSzatkowski) August 8, 2019
"As the Sheriff, my job is to protect people. And I take that very seriously… This is a very disturbing case."
— Richland County Sheriff's Dept. (@RCSD) August 8, 2019
"As the mass shootings of the past weekend have revealed, something needs to be done," Sheriff Lott said. "It's time for South Carolina to join the rest of the country with its own hate crime law, so that its law enforcement officers can join the fight against extremism."
— Richland County Sheriff's Dept. (@RCSD) August 8, 2019
"The worst thing we can do is live in fear," Lott said. "Be cautious. Be concerned. But don't live in fear."
— Richland County Sheriff's Dept. (@RCSD) August 8, 2019
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
