In Virginia, a police department has concluded its investigation into allegations of a hate crime involving several White juveniles, ultimately clearing them of any wrongdoing. The allegations were brought forth by Dr. Onwubiko Agozino, a professor at Virginia Tech University, whose complaint gained traction through the support of a local chapter of a nationwide nonprofit with far-left ties.
Dr. Agozino, a respected sociologist at the university, identifies as a “scholar-activist” dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence and diversity. His academic focus is on issues affecting people of African descent and marginalized communities globally, with particular emphasis on race, class, and gender dynamics. His work and activism extend well beyond the classroom, engaging with communities at large.
The incident in question occurred on February 10, when Dr. Agozino observed a group of White men stopping in front of his residence. They were playing loud rap music with explicit lyrics from their truck while clearing snow and ice from its bed. Believing this to be a racially charged act, Dr. Agozino filed a formal complaint with the police.
The story quickly caught the attention of New River Valley Indivisible, a local branch of the national nonprofit Indivisible, known for advocating progressive ideals and organizing protests, including those against former President Donald Trump. The group took to Facebook to express their outrage, stating, “NRV Indivisible vehemently condemns the recent, despicable act of racist intimidation and harassment that occurred in our community. Dr. Biko Agozino and his family were targeted at their home by a group of eight White young men in four different trucks.”
This incident has sparked discussions about racial tensions and the interpretation of actions in diverse communities, highlighting the complexities involved in addressing such sensitive issues. While the police have cleared the juveniles involved, the conversation surrounding race and community dynamics continues to evolve.
“NRV Indivisible vehemently condemns the recent, despicable act of racist intimidation and harassment that occurred in our community. Dr. Biko Agozino (who recently ran for delegate in the 42d district) and his family were targeted at their home by a group of 8 White young men riding in four 4 different trucks,” that group said on Facebook.
“The young White men parked in front of Dr. Agozino’s home and unleashed a torrent of racial slurs, including the N-word, and threw ice bricks onto the property, blocking his driveway,” the statement continued. “This hateful assault was accompanied by the blaring of music, specifically Drake’s ‘Energy,’ in a calculated effort to terrorize and intimidate Biko and his family.”
The group’s post asserted as a fact that a hate crime had been committed, and called for criminal and civil action to be taken against the alleged perpetrators at the state level, and for prosecution under federal hate crime laws.
Looking over the wall toward a building on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. (iStock)
But the town of Christiansburg, Virginia, said police investigated and there is no evidence of a racist attack against the professor, as first reported by The College Fix.
“There have been incorrect reports that this may have been a targeted incident toward a specific residence or person based on racial bias,” the town’s statement said. “The Christiansburg Police Department does not tolerate discrimination, hate speech or racial profiling within the Town of Christiansburg. Our investigation has found no evidence of criminal intent or racial bias.”
“After several interviews, including a third-party eyewitness, and a detailed investigation, detectives found that a group of juveniles were attending an organized function at a home in the area,” the town explained. “Before departure, two juveniles attempted to clear frozen snow and ice out of the bed of a truck, but were unable to completely remove, due to the slope of the vehicle. Upon departure, the juveniles stopped at a flat spot on the street, where a juvenile pushed out the remaining frozen snow and ice.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Agozino argued that whether the juveniles, whom he called “suspects,” had criminal intent may be irrelevant.
“They investigated and identified the suspects. They claimed that they had no bad intent and the police concluded that there was no evidence of hate crime,” he said. “I reminded the police that intent is only one element of crime because reckless or unreasonable behavior that is threatening to anyone is considered a breach of the law even if there is no intent to harm anyone.”
Virginia Tech Polytechnic Institute and State University College campus with people walking on green grass lawn on April 18, 2018. (ablokhin/Getty Images)
He also said police increased patrols near his home to “prevent a repeat or escalation.”
“However, the second day, one of the trucks parked by my letter box for about 20 minutes before driving to the address of the neighbor from whose house the young White men emerged the day before,” Agozino continued. “I hope that the statement by the police that there is no evidence of hate crime will not unwittingly embolden the suspects.”
He also thanked the police for their concern, and the groups who supported him.
Virginia Tech did not return a request for comment. Neither did New River Valley Indivisible.
