‘Bae, Don’t Leave Me!’: Black Couple Attacked by Vigilante Mob in Racially Charged North Carolina Assault As Man Filming Melee Posts Racist Commentary That Sparks Backlash

A Black couple visiting a Rural King farm supply store in North Carolina last week were attacked by several white men in an incident believed to be racially motivated. The altercation, which erupted after accusations of shoplifting, led to a violent confrontation that was captured on video, culminating in the arrest of two people, according to reports.Footage of the violent episode has been circulating on social media for several days, showing a group of white men surrounding the pair before one of them placed Renard Kiah Legette Edwards in a chokehold while his girlfriend, Isis Bell, frantically tried to separate them as they tussled on the floor.The incident occurred on Jan. 7 at the Rural King in Conover, where employees stood by, refusing to intervene as the confrontation escalated. It’s still not clear how the fight started nor the circumstances that led to the disturbing scene near the registers.The fight took a darker turn when Edwards began repeating, “I can’t breathe!” as one of the assailants tightened an arm lock around the man’s neck.The video was shared on Facebook by 19-year-old Jacob Isaiah Evans, who added his own stinging commentary that ridiculed Edwards as he pleaded for help. Evans sparked...