FBI investigating caller who left death threats for Cobb NAACP
A caller who left death threats on the voicemail of the Cobb County NAACP has been identified and the case turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to a local chapter leader.
Deanne Bonner, who heads the NAACP branch in Cobb, said police did not give her a name, but they indicated that they knew the identity of the suspect who left the disturbing message on Feb. 25 filled with expletives and racial slurs.
“My name, Johnny Rebel,” the message said, in part. “My profession, murdering black people.”
Bonner said she was assured Tuesday that the person did not pose an immediate threat. She praised law enforcement for swift and decisive action in turning the case over to the FBI.
“This is an excellent response,” she said.
Bonner also said her office has received an outpouring of support from the broader community, with many Cobb residents calling to express their disgust at the threats and offering to help in any way they can.
“An army is being built against this hatred,” Bonner said.
Charles McPhilamy, a spokesperson for the Marietta Police Department, confirmed that the FBI had taken over the case. He said he had no further details.
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Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.
