Police arrest teen for racist Walmart announcement telling 'all black people' to 'leave the store'
Last weekend, a male voice was heard on a NJ Wal-Mart’s public announcement system saying, “Attention Wal-Mart customers: All black people leave the store now.” Police announce they have arrested a teenager in connection with the incident.
The message was heard throughout the Washington Township store at about 5 p.m. on Sunday. Immediately after the announcement was broadcast to shoppers and others inside the Wal-Mart, a manager was heard over the intercom system, apologizing for the offensive remark.
Authorities report the suspect was arrested Saturday, and county prosecutors plan to file a case against him on Monday. The teenager was a shopper in the store at the time of the incident. He was located after police examined the store's surveillance video, along with tracking a number of social networking sites, according to ABC 6.
The suspect now faces charges of harassment and bias intimidation. A 16-year-old friend who was with him at the time of the announcement is also under investigation.
Just days after the incident, Wal-Mart officials apologized in a statement, saying “We are just as appalled by this incident as our customers… Whoever did this is just wrong and acted in an inappropriate manner. Clearly, this is completely unacceptable to us and to our customers.”
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Comments
Whatever happened to freedom of speech? I don't agree with what he said, but c'mon. Nigaz with Attitude performed a song called "Kill Whitey" and no one was arrested for that. Trust me, the song sucked. Someone should have been arrested.
What has happened to common sense? Can't we get the chips off our shoulders and just get along?
BTW-The kid's parents should whack the crap outta him. Oh wait - then THEY would be arrested.
whatever, he's just a kid
what ever Tim you say that now but you would not had back up your comment if you had been that manager at walmart because you would had gotten on that intercom so fast and apology for that nut for doing such a stupid thing and than you would had call the police yourself also
As a black man I am frustrated. Not by the incident but by the law and everyone elses reaction. I agree whatever happened to our supposed freedom of speech. Has it transmogrified into freedom to speech as long as you don't offend anyone? Get real people. It was obvious it was a poor choice of a joke but that's all it was. I could understand if he said it, waited 5 minutes, and then opened fire on people but come on. Even I am guilty of having used a walmart or target store intercom to be utilized as a means to deliver a joke.
100 bucks that's tim raf... I recognize that sense of humor anywhere
lighten up just a joke .me i would have asked all thiefs to leave the shop LOL
Arrested? Hell they should worry about real crimes!! NJ police need to get a life, this is overkill!!! A stupid kid doing a stupid think.
some of you are just as ignorant and stupid as that boy for even coming up with excuses for his racist statment thats stupid and it sickens me that people still feel that way if it were someone disrespecting any of you, you would be making sure justice was served! this is not a kid this is a teenager who should serve sometime and freedom of speech i guess your just as racist as he is its a shame in 2010 the world has'nt changed not one bit karma is true so since you all agree with himi wonder when something of this nature if not worse will happen to you may god be with you and show you your ignorant selfish heartless careless ways
Jasmine, you need to get REAL. Last time I checked, offensive jokes weren't ILLEGAL. If every offensive comment resulted in jail time, you'd be doing 20 to life for all the offensively ignorant comments you make.
Punishment is deserved. Not this level of punishment.
And Jasmine dear, don't come on here spouting drivel about "God being with us." Last time I checked, Christians are forgiving and un-judgmental. Turn the other cheek, much? Not very Christian of you, Jasmine.
Obama is only half black
Tim and Obama Sucks please do mention about any rights since you obviously haven't picked up in the fact that you can practice your rights as long as you're NOT INFLICTING on another individual's rights. Also about the song "Kill Whitey" I am positive you had the choice to listen to it. You wouldn't hear it shopping at WalMart.
Why are some of you people trying to PROTECT this stupid racist teenager?!! It is COMMON SENSE not to say any racist comments in a public place. I would agree with any punishment he gets unless it's the death sentence.
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