A Black man who was gathering signatures for a ballot measure in rural Nevada recorded a disturbing encounter with another man, who directed a racial slur at him and mentioned “they have a hanging tree” for people like him. The incident is now being investigated by the local sheriff’s office as a possible hate crime.
As he boarded a plane in northern Nevada back to his home in Houston, Texas, Ricky Johnson told The Associated Press by phone on Monday, “Every time I think about it, I’m still shaking.”
After sharing a portion of the video capturing the Aug. 2 altercation in Virginia City, Nevada, on social media, Johnson faced a flurry of criticism from both local and state officials. In response, the organizers of the 10-day Hot August Nights event, which was occurring concurrently, cancelled the registrations of the individuals featured in the video who had confronted Johnson.
On Monday, Undersheriff Eric Kern of Storey County confirmed that the office has wrapped up interviews with Johnson as well as possible suspects. The case has been forwarded to the district attorney for a determination on whether or not charges will be filed.
According to Kern, there is a possibility that the crime may be classified as a hate crime, and they are currently investigating this as an enhancement.
In a recent TikTok video, Johnson shared an encounter where he was called a racial slur and threatened with a “hanging tree” by a white man. Although Johnson is not visible in the video, he can be heard asking the man to repeat what he said.
As captured on video, a heated exchange ensued between Johnson and a woman, both sides exchanging profanities. Eventually, the woman informed Johnson that he was on her property, and they continued their discussion on the street. Throughout the conversation, Johnson repeatedly requested that the woman refrain from touching him.
According to Kern, Johnson has given the investigators the video. He also mentioned that everyone involved in the investigation, including the suspect and victim, has been fully cooperative.
Over the weekend, the sheriff’s office released a statement emphasizing its stance against racism, inequality, and hate speech. The office wants to assure the public that it is conducting a thorough investigation while maintaining its commitment to eradicating such negative attitudes and behaviors.
Kern emphasized that such incidents are not common in Virginia City. He expressed his sadness over the isolated incident, which has caused negative impacts on all sides. The incident has led people to form a negative opinion and even call businesses. However, Kern believes that this is not a reflection of the overall environment in Virginia City.
Anne Langer, the District Attorney of Storey County, did not reply to an email request for comment on Monday. However, a spokesperson for her office redirected calls to County Manager Austin Osborne. In an email response to the Associated Press, Osborne refrained from commenting on the possibility of charges. However, he did condemn the reprehensible and inexcusable conduct displayed by a few individuals, stating that such actions do not align with the values of their community.
On Monday, Nevada’s Attorney General, Aaron Ford, expressed his solidarity with the Storey County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of a discriminatory event that occurred in one of Nevada’s historic towns. As a Black individual, Ford denounced the incident as “hateful” and “racist.”
Nestled in the Virginia Range, just a quick 30-minute drive outside of Reno, Virginia City beckons to thousands of tourists every year. Its historic wood-planked sidewalks are brimming with old saloons and stores, inviting visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the past.
During the mid-1800s, Nevada’s most significant city was bustling with activity. The discovery of the Comstock Lode brought in a massive influx of silver miners, making it a hub of economic growth. It was during this time that Samuel Clemens began his career in the newspaper business and adopted the pen name Mark Twain while working at the Territorial Enterprise.
Expressing his concern and disappointment, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo took to social media to address the incident.
On X, he expressed his strong condemnation towards racism and hate, making it clear that such behavior has no place in Nevada.
The Virginia City Tourism Commission has strongly condemned the “abhorrent and inexcusable” behavior, labeling it as “hateful and racist.”
While collecting signatures for a proposed Nevada state ballot initiative, Johnson was employed by Advanced Micro Targeting Inc., a Texas-based company that specializes in voter outreach and get-out-the-vote services. The ballot initiative sought to limit the fees that attorneys collect from clients in personal injury cases.
According to Johnson, he has encountered racial slurs in the past, but the incident in Virginia City stood out for its severity.
He expressed his feelings of being trapped and surrounded by people, leaving him with no way out. “To be actually in the middle of that and you have no way out. You feel like you’re being surrounded by all these people. I felt closed in,” he shared.
