Sheriff's Office investigates 'hateful and racist' incident in Virginia City during Hot August Nights
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 08/04/2024 - 8:25am
The Storey County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident this weekend where racial slurs were allegedly directed at a black man during a Hot August Nights event in Virginia City.
A Tik Tok video, which has gone viral, is of a white man who allegedly told a black man that there is “a hanging tree,” and called him the N-word. See the video here.
The incident, which has brought widespread condemnation on social media and a statement from Virginia City tourism officials who called it "racist and hateful" and "abhorrent and inexcusable," is being investigated by the Storey County Sheriff's Office, which released the following statement:
"The Storey County Sheriff’s Office has received concerning reports and video of an incident that occurred in Virginia City on August 2, 2024. We at the sheriff’s office do not condone or support racism, inequality, or hate speech.
"Integrity is our standard. We are proud of our profession and will conduct ourselves in a manner that merits the respect of all people. We will demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all our interactions.
"We must have the courage to stand up for our beliefs and do what is right. Our actions will instill public trust and a sense and feeling of protection and safety of each individual person of Storey County, resident and visitor alike.
All reports to the Storey County Sheriff’s Office are investigated thoroughly and treated seriously. A case has been pulled regarding this incident and is being investigated. We thank each and every one of you for your patience while the investigation is being finished. Thank you and stay safe."
Hot August Nights organizers released a statement Saturday night, calling the incident "a very unfortunate and intolerable incident occurred during our kick-off event in Virginia City this weekend."
The statement reads: "It was inexcusable and not at all representative of our classic car culture or community. Hot August Nights celebrates and welcomes individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds and our organization does not condone nor support racism or hate speech.
"We hope that this will not dampen our attendees and participants spirits as we host our events in Reno-Sparks over the coming week. Our commitment is for a safe and inclusive space for everyone."
Virginia City tourism officials also released a statement:
"Earlier this weekend, an incident occurred in which individuals were harassed during an event and comments were made that were hateful and racist. We want to make it clear on behalf of the Virginia City Tourism Commission that we find this behavior abhorrent and inexcusable. Virginia City is an incredible historic town with vibrant events and a welcoming atmosphere. We stand wholly against any acts of hatred, racism or violence. Virginia City is proud to be a town that invites all individuals and we are working closely with our merchants and event partners to create a community that is inclusive and open to all."
This is Reno news website has published a number of responses from the video and additional information. We will update as information becomes available.
UPDATE: Hot August Nights statement in response to the incident in Virginia City, update as of Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024):
Regarding the incident in Virginia City on Friday, August 2, the individuals featured in the viral video have been identified, and their Hot August Nights registrations have been revoked. We want to clarify that there were no Hot August Nights representatives, volunteers, or staff present in the video or involved in the situation. The individuals wearing Hot August Nights badges are event participants.
Following the event, Hot August Nights will further evaluate the Virginia City venue. We are committed to ensuring integrity and safety at all our events and will take action to remove individuals who diminish or harm others. We believe taking these steps is crucial to demonstrate to our participants, volunteers and our attendees that such behavior will not be tolerated.
