The tragic killing of Austin Metcalf at a Texas highschool observe meet earlier this month has sparked a troubling wave of political exploitation, on-line harassment, and misinformation, and now, the households of each the sufferer and the accused are preventing to guard their security and their names.
Father of Stabbing Sufferer Confronts Protesters: “You’re A part of the Drawback”
Based on KERA Information, Jeff Metcalf, the grieving father of Austin Metcalf, clashed with organizers of a controversial “Shield White Individuals” protest held Saturday in Frisco. The protest, led by Jake Lang and Phillip Anderson, each of whom had ties to the January 6 Capitol riot, framed Austin’s demise for instance of “anti-white violence.”
Nevertheless, Jeff Metcalf wasn’t having it. KERA Information reviews that Lang, presently operating for Senate in Florida after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump, known as Metcalf in the course of the protest and urged him to help their trigger.
Metcalf instantly shut the try down, telling Lang he refused to let his son’s demise be weaponized for political theater.
“You’re attempting to create extra race divide than bridging the hole,”
Lang responded by calling Metcalf “weak,” claiming:
“You’re creating extra Austin Metcalfs together with your weak spot.”
KERA Information additionally notes that Bruce Carter, who positioned the decision in the course of the protest, sided with Metcalf, saying it was inappropriate to “use an individual’s youngster to push a political agenda.”
Protest Drama, Counter-Protests, and Arrests
Based on KERA Information, the occasion noticed low turnout, with extra law enforcement officials and media current than precise supporters. Counter-protesters gathered on the website, chanting “No extra lynch mob,” and Frisco police arrested at the very least one particular person after an altercation involving pepper spray.
As reported by Every day Mail, Lang later doubled down on social media, attacking Metcalf on-line after the protest. Lang posted a vile rant accusing the grieving father of “white guilt” and suggesting that his “weak spot” led to his son’s demise — feedback that even his personal followers condemned as “disgraceful” and “out of line.”
Swatting Assaults Hit Each Households Amid Ongoing Misinformation
Each the Metcalf and Anthony households have been focused by harmful swatting assaults — false emergency calls designed to impress closely armed police responses. CBS reviews that Frisco police have responded twice to Jeff Metcalf’s house attributable to pretend 911 calls.
Jeff Metcalf instructed CBS Information Texas that he fears somebody might be critically damage if the harassment continues. Footage from Thursday confirmed SWAT officers with weapons drawn outdoors his Frisco house after responding to one of many calls.
Based on CBS, Dr. Timothy Bray, a criminologist on the College of Texas at Dallas, defined:
“If we don’t catch it quickly, someone’s going to get critically damage and even killed.”
Frisco police issued a press release to CBS Information Texas, saying investigators are actively trying into the swatting incidents. CBS Information Texas additionally reviews that the harassment has taken a toll on each households’ jobs.
Kala Hayes, the mom of Karmelo Anthony, stated her husband needed to take go away from work after harassment focused his employer. Equally, Jeff Metcalf stated he needed to step away from his personal job amid the harassment.
Karmelo Anthony’s Fundraiser Scrutinized As He Stays Free on Bond
Based on TMZ, regardless of posting a $250,000 bond, Karmelo Anthony has not withdrawn any cash from the GiveSendGo fundraiser, which has raised practically $450,000. Jacob Wells, cofounder of GiveSendGo, instructed TMZ that funds haven’t been launched as a result of the platform is ready for “readability from the marketing campaign recipient on use of funds.”
Whereas recipients are sometimes in a position to withdraw cash 72 hours after donations are made, high-profile circumstances like Anthony’s could face holds for verification or compliance causes.
TMZ additionally notes that GiveSendGo has defended its involvement, stating that the platform doesn’t decide guilt or innocence.
Wells instructed TMZ:
“His case must be adjudicated within the courtroom of regulation.”
GiveSendGo has beforehand hosted campaigns for different controversial figures, together with Kyle Rittenhouse and Derek Chauvin. TMZ states that Karmelo Anthony’s lawyer, Michael Howard, has but to reply concerning the fundraiser standing.
Each households have endured threats, harassment, and misinformation because the stabbing. Austin Metcalf tragically died in his twin brother’s arms, whereas Karmelo Anthony maintains he acted in self-defense.
Collin County District Lawyer Greg Willis emphasised in a press release to KERA Information that:
“It’s our job to be level-headed, to be fact-based, and to observe the reality wherever it leads.”
On the middle of all of it are two grieving households — caught within the crosshairs of a authorized battle that’s removed from over.
