A copypasta precisely claimed the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Workplace in Georgia was on excessive alert due to the specter of an assault from white supremacists on Black voters in the course of the 2024 election.
Through the weekend earlier than Election Day 2024 within the U.S., a number of Snopes readers shared display captures of the identical message circulating on messaging apps — one thing often called a copypasta — warning about the specter of an assault from white supremacists on Black voters in Gwinnett County, Georgia:
(display seize)
The message learn:
Pressing!!
Hey everybody, I acquired this from a pal’s daughter that lives in Georgia! Please share!Fwd:
Hey women, I simply acquired this from a pal who works within the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s workplace!!!
Be on Alert… Final night time, a deputy informed a household that native White Supremacists/ KKK members originating out of Lexington, NC, are planning to assault from now till the Inauguration.They’re plotting towards Blacks, particularly black girls as a result of of their eyes, we’re straightforward targets! Please be vigilant! Strive to not do something alone, particularly after darkish! This isn’t a hoax or a rumor! The deputy confirmed paperwork that the police division has. Of their phrases…They’re taking their nation again!”
It is actually scary, and please take what I am telling you SERIOUSLY! We’ve got to proceed to reside, however simply watch out and watch your environment!That is occurring in all places. Keep protected!”
Care for your self.
Watch and make folks conscious of something irregular!!!
Different variations of the introduction to the message additionally appeared, together with one purporting to be from a councilwoman named Wanda Randolph, although it didn’t specify which council:
(display seize)
“That is Councilwoman Wanda Randolph,” the introduction to the message learn. “Good night. I acquired this from a pal who works within the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s workplace!!! (Georgia).”
The remainder of the message was equivalent to the primary one. A Google search revealed a Councilwoman Wanda Randolph in Eatonville, Florida. We contacted her by way of phone and textual content message to ask her to substantiate whether or not she had despatched this message and can replace this report ought to she reply.
Snopes acquired a number of extra messages from readers questioning concerning the veracity of this message. As in lots of situations of copypasta and concrete legends, those that shared the message claimed to have acquired it from shut relations in Georgia — a tried-and-true approach of giving a declare the looks of credibility. Our reporting, nevertheless, signifies that there isn’t any reality in it.
There’s certainly a Gwinnett County in Georgia, northeast of Atlanta. It encompasses a number of cities, together with Lawrenceville at its heart, Buford at its north, and Snelville at its south. U.S. Census data indicated that whereas its largest demographic is white non-Hispanic, almost 30% of the inhabitants is Black, and the remaining is Asian, Hispanic and multiracial.
Snopes contacted the Gwinnett County’s Sheriff’s Workplace, which informed us it have been conscious of such a message circulating. The workplace directed us to its social media posts addressing it. The submit on its Facebook page indicated that whereas it had not acquired any details about this particular menace, it will stay attentive to any regarding exercise designed to derail the voting course of. It additionally advised that the explanation some individuals are spreading this rumor is perhaps to discourage voters — particularly Black girls — from going to polling stations to solid their ballots (archived):
(Fb/Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Workplace)
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Workplace has been made conscious of a circulating textual content thread suggesting potential assaults on African American girls “from now by way of the inauguration.” We’ve got not acquired any data indicating threats to any group(s) on or after election day.
Hateful discourse akin to this goals to instill worry locally and disrupt us from exercising our constitutional rights. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Workplace stays devoted to defending all residents and we’ll proceed to watch and reply accordingly to all suspicious and threatening habits.
We are going to proceed collaborating with native, state, and federal authorities to remain present on any potential threats surrounding the final election. Please instantly report any data concerning threats or suspicious habits to your native legislation enforcement company or name the Tip Line at 770.619.6655.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s workplace additionally shared this message on Instagram, LinkedIn and X, linking to the above Fb submit:
(X/Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Workplace)
