The FBI concluded Tuesday that the noose found in Bubba Wallace’s garage was not part of a hate crime.
What We Know:
- It was reported Sunday that a noose was found in the garage of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. The findings were in the midst of Wallace expressing his views on the protests and NASCAR banning the use of the confederate flag.
- The FBI reported that the noose found in Wallace’s garage had been there since October 2019, so therefore it could not be issued a hate crime. Tuesday, the FBI released a statement explaining there findings.
- “The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to 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 investigation also concluded that the item found was a garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose.
- “We appreciate the FBI’s quick and thorough investigation and are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba…we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who love racing,” NASCAR said.
- Wallace said on an ABC interview that he was happy that the incident brought “light of love and unity to, unite together and show that love is way stronger than hate”.
Supporting and thanking the pre-existing fans, and encouraging the new ones. For all of those new to the sport, we welcome you with open arms. pic.twitter.com/M44hCCPngr
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 23, 2020
NASCAR says it will continue to make the environment “open and welcoming” to all, while Wallace says he will continue to use his platform to encourage unity.
