FBI Concludes Noose Investigation – Bubba Wallace’s “Not the Target of a Hate Crime,” Says NASCAR
Over the weekend, a rather concerning story circulated around the NASCAR watercooler. The world was watching on, sending their support as the only African American NASCAR driver, Bubba Wallace, found a noose in his team’s garage. NASCAR wood act swiftly to try and get to the bottom of the situation. They would even enlist the help of the FBI.
It became a frustrating situation as folks would look for answers. However, it seems as if, after the investigation, we have even more questions than answers. The FBI came to the conclusion that the noose found had been in the garage since at least last year. They say that it wasn’t intentionally placed in Wallace’s garage, either.
So what really happened?
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr. released a joint statement describing the situation. The statement reads:
“On Monday, fifteen FBI special agents conducted numerous interviews regarding the situation at Talladega Superspeedway. After a thorough review of the facts and evidence surrounding this event, we have concluded that no federal crime was committed.
The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week. The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019. Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week.
The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws. We offer our thanks to NASCAR, Mr. Wallace, and everyone who cooperated with this investigation.”
NASCAR also issued a statement themselves which can be read, in full, in the Tweet below.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 23, 2020
