Thompson Request Investigation Into Mississippi Legislator’s Call for Lynchings

Thompson Request Investigation Into Mississippi Legislator's Call for Lynchings

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement regarding Mississippi Legislator Karl Oliver's call for the lynching of individuals who seek the removal of symbols of the Confederacy:

"The recent Facebook post made by Karl Oliver was dangerous and as an elected official in Mississippi he should have been aware of the harm that could result from the post," said Thompson. "His insistence that people who are opposed to symbols commemorating the treasonous acts of the Confederate State of America should be lynched is deeply disturbing. This type of hate speech is extremely perilous and could inspire others to commit criminal acts. We should be reminded that less than two years have passed since nine African-American church members were murdered by a radicalized individual who swore allegiance to the confederate flag and we are three years removed from a group of college students placing a noose and a confederate flag on a statue of civil rights icon James Meridith. These young people didn't learn to hate on their own. They were inspired by people, like Mr. Oliver, who seek to indoctrinate others with vile speech."

"I am requesting that Department of Justice officials review the comments made by Mr. Oliver to determine if his recommendation of violence constitutes an immediate threat to individuals who are committed to removing tributes to the Confederacy from our public spaces."