U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation

 

 

 

                                                                        September 26, 2008

 

 

Steven Mullins, Managing Editor

The Post and Courier

134 Columbus Street

Charleston, SC  29403

 

Dear Mr. Mullins:

 

            In Prentiss Findlay’s article entitled, “NAACP Chief Seeks Probe of Incidents,” dated September 24, 2008, the FBI was misquoted.  We feel that the story did not accurately reflect the thoughts and beliefs of the FBI.  Incidents of cross burnings and other hate crimes are taken very seriously by the FBI and warrant law enforcement investigation.  The investigation and local prosecution associated with the recent cross burning will continue to be monitored by the FBI, and the Department of Justice, to determine if a federal hate crime violation has occurred.

 

            Wednesday’s article inaccurately trivialized the FBI’s position regarding a website photo depicting a lynching.  While certain deplorable websites may be protected by the First Amendment, the FBI does not simply view them as people expressing themselves, but as potential hate incidents.   Moreover, the article further inaccurately attributed a quote to FBI Public Affairs Specialist, Denise Taiste, “She’s (NAACP Charleston Chapter President, Dot Scott) worked-up because she wants it (the web photo) to be a hate crime.  If that’s the case, I’m a victim.”  Ms. Taiste has advised me that she did not make this statement to Mr. Findlay.  Further, it leads your readers to believe that we are not sympathetic to the issues raised by Ms. Scott.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The FBI prides itself in the relationship it has with the NAACP, both locally and nationally.  As the lead federal agency for investigating violations of federal civil rights laws, the FBI takes that responsibility very seriously.

 

                                                                        Respectfully yours,

 

 

 

                                                                        David A. Thomas, SAC

                                                                        Columbia Division