Black Resident Shot At by White Neighbor While in Bushes Fuels Hate Crime Law Push

In South Carolina, a Black man who endured a summer hate crime is advocating for the establishment of a state hate crime law. Jarvis McKenzie was awaiting a work ride at around 6 a.m. on July 17 when a white man in a vehicle aimed a rifle at him, firing while shouting, “Keep running, boy!” The assailant, Jonathan Felkel, has been charged with assault and hate crime after shooting at McKenzie, who fortunately escaped physical harm. Captured surveillance footage showed Felkel targeting McKenzie, and he was later arrested on a $1 million bond. Felkel confessed he aimed at McKenzie due to his race. While various localities have enacted hate crime ordinances, South Carolina lacks a comprehensive state law. McKenzie’s attorney argues that this deficiency signals a permissive environment for racially motivated crimes. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott emphasized the necessity for protective measures against bias-related offenses. Felkel faces a possible 20-year prison sentence if convicted. (Credit: News19 Video Screengrab)