FBI Investigates South Carolina Couple for Racial Discrimination

Incident Sparks Renewed Calls for Hate Crime Laws in South Carolina

Worden Butler and Alexis Hartnett, a white couple from South Carolina, are under investigation by the FBI for allegedly burning a cross in their yard facing their black neighbors' home, in an act of racial discrimination.
The couple has been accused of a pattern of racially motivated harassment against their neighbors, Shawn and Monica Williams, including the use of racial slurs and threats.
Butler and Hartnett were arrested on state charges of harassment and later released on bond. Hartnett was also charged with third-degree assault.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for hate crime laws in South Carolina, one of only two states in the U.S. without such laws.
The FBI is working with the U.S. Attorney's Office and local and state partners on the investigation, emphasizing their commitment to fostering trust and accountability.