This article will be made available in Spanish through El Tiempo Latino.
Quick Take Posts shared on Facebook allege racial violence threats “between now and the Inauguration.” However, Gwinnett County sheriff’s office denied receiving information of threats on election day or after.
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The 2024 election season has witnessed an upsurge of political violence. Two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump resulted in one that resulted in the death of one campaign rally attendee; Kamala Harris’ campaign team office in Tempe was damaged three times with gunfire; law enforcement also experienced threats directed against poll workers and political activists leading up to Election Day according to The New York Times report.
As tensions increased in Georgia amid violent threats against Black women, Facebook posts from an unnamed deputy of Gwinnett County sheriff office spread an unsubstantiated claim of threats made against African American women living there.
“Hey ladies! Just got this info from someone working at Gwinnett County Sheriff’s office!!! Please beware… Last night a deputy informed one family that White Supremacist/ KKK members out of Lexington NC intend on attacking Blacks from now until Inauguration day; specifically targeting black women they perceive to be easy targets! Stay vigilant after dark; try not doing any activities alone!” This report wasn’t an hoax or false report either – they showed paperwork showing this event occurred.”
Similar texts were posted by other Facebook users.
But Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office reported on its Facebook page on Nov. 2 that no such threats have been presented to it.
“Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of an online text thread suggesting attacks against African American women “between now and the inauguration.” We do not have information suggesting threats or potential danger for any group(s).” said Gwinnett Sheriffs Office officials.
“Hateful rhetoric such as that heard here seeks to instil fear among members of our community and prevent us from exercising our constitutional rights. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to safeguarding its residents; as we monitor any suspicious or threatening behaviour we will respond accordingly,” according to Sheriff Scott Parris’ statement.
The sheriff’s office stated it is working in concert with “local, state and federal authorities to identify potential election-related threats”; reports should be directed either locally law enforcement agencies or to its tip line at (770-619-66655).
Editor’s note: FactCheck.org is among a range of organizations working with Facebook to disprove falsehoods shared online, which you can read more about here. However, Facebook does not control our editorial content in any way.
Sources
Farrow, Fritz. “Harris Campaign Office in Arizona Shot At Three Times in a Month”. ABC News. 9 October 2024.
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Facebook Post. 2 November 2024.
McLean, Danielle. “Posts Distort Police Reports Ahead of Trump Rally in New York”. FactCheck.org. Updated September 26th 2024.
Thrush, Glenn, Adam Goldman, Alan Feuer and Eileen Sullivan of Thrush Goldman Firearms face threats ahead of Nov 5 elections looms.” New York Times. 25 October 2024.
Parker, Ned and Peter Eisler. “New cases of political violence roil U.S. ahead of contentious election.” Reuters 21 October 2024.
