Police investigating racist threats at Black church in Floyd County

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — Floyd County police are investigating racist threats at a Black church.

Channel 2′s Chris Jose was at Flatrock Baptist Church on Wednesday, where a criminal investigation is underway.

An officer was on the scene on Cunningham Road collecting evidence.

Tony Knox is a deacon at the church. He made the hateful discovery on Saturday as he prepared the church for Sunday service.

“It threatens the entire community,” said Knox. “I would hate to see someone follow through and do some of the things that they posted, in terms of trying to hang or kill someone.”

Jose saw racial slurs written on the church’s wall outside. There was also a reference to killing Black people and hanging them on a telephone pole.

“Do you believe this is a hate crime?” asked Jose.

“I see it as hate crime. Yes, I do,” said Knox.

A police sergeant told Jose the person or people responsible will be charged with vandalism to a place of worship. It’s believed the threats are racially motivated, police said.

No suspects have been identified.

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The Rome branch of the NAACP showed up for support.

“This is a serious threat to the Black community,” said Charles Love. “This kind of threat can escalate into something that’s tragic. There’s a history of burning Black churches, bombing of Black churches to discourage people of faith.”

Police are urging people around Cunningham Road to look through their surveillance video. The area is popular for hunting and outdoor recreation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Floyd County police investigator Jordan Clayton at 706-314-1861.

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