The FBI has joined the investigation into the alleged assault of a Texas woman after local authorities said online threats connected to the case prompted federal involvement.
The Longview Police Department announced Friday that federal agents are assisting as investigators continue examining an attack allegedly carried out by a group accused of chanting “Free Karmelo” during the incident.
Longview Police Department Public Information Officer LaDarian Brown said the FBI became involved because investigators are tracking threatening online activity surrounding the case.
“We are aware of social media conversations concerning retaliation, division and attacks between members of our community,” Brown said during a news conference.
“Those statements are being reviewed seriously.”
Brown emphasized that investigators are monitoring the online rhetoric but said authorities do not believe there is an immediate threat to public safety.
“There is no known threat to the public at this time,” he said.
Fox News Digital reported that it contacted the FBI for comment regarding its role in the investigation.
Three women have been charged in connection with the alleged assault.
Police identified the suspects as 21-year-old Ciarrianne Fuller and 21-year-old Alana Mumphrey, both of Longview, along with 21-year-old Dejae Brown of Pittsburg, Texas.
Each has been charged with misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury.
According to jail records, Fuller was arrested on June 23 and booked into the Gregg County Jail.
Her bond was set at $20,000, and she was released the following day.
Police said Brown and Mumphrey surrendered to authorities Thursday.
Both women were booked into the Gregg County Jail on the same misdemeanor assault charge.
Each received a $20,000 bond and was released later that day.
According to investigators, the victim told police the group made a disturbing statement before the alleged assault began.
The victim reported that members of the group said they were “going to target the smallest white girl they could find.”
Authorities have not released additional details about the victim’s injuries or whether more arrests are expected.
Investigators believe the alleged assault was connected to support for Karmelo Anthony, whose murder conviction has become the focus of demonstrations and online activism.
Anthony was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, last year.
The case generated national attention and led to competing public campaigns over Anthony’s guilt and the jury’s verdict.
Supporters have continued to organize demonstrations and social media campaigns following the conviction.
Police have not alleged that Anthony himself had any involvement in the Longview assault.
Instead, investigators believe the attack may have been motivated by individuals expressing support for him.
The addition of the FBI signals that authorities are treating online threats connected to the case with increased seriousness, particularly as emotions surrounding the Anthony case continue to generate heated exchanges on social media.
Local officials urged residents to avoid escalating tensions online while investigators continue gathering evidence.
The criminal case against the three women remains pending, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court, Breitbart News reported.
Meanwhile, police say they will continue working alongside federal authorities to determine whether any additional crimes related to threats or intimidation occurred before or after the alleged assault.
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