Photo: Getty Images
A Virginia sheriff's office has launched an investigation into an alleged racist incident that was shared on TikTok.
The incident unfolded during Hot August Nights, an annual event held in Reno and Virginia City that raises money for charity.
Video shared on TikTok shows a Black man claiming that a group of white people hurled racist comments at him. The man alleged that one person in the group told him there was a "hanging tree" down the street for "[people] like [him]." He also said someone used a racial slur against him.
At one point during the video, a woman appeared to exit a nearby business called Firehouse Saloon and escorted the man off the property.
As the man repeatedly told her to not touch him, the woman responded that she loves him and claimed that he was her brother.
The man is taken to a sheriff before he starts to cry while explaining the situation to surrounding bystanders. In the video, one woman, who offered him a hug, could be heard saying: "I'm so sorry this happened to you."
The video garnered over 1.3 million views on TikTok as of Monday (August 5). The Storey County Sheriff's Office addressed the incident in a statement on Facebook.
"We at the sheriff's office do not condone or support racism, inequality, or hate speech," the sheriff's office said.
Authorities noted that they launched an investigation into the incident and are taking the matter "seriously."
"Integrity is our standard," the sheriff's office said. "We are proud of our profession and will conduct ourselves in a manner that merits the respect of all people. We will demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all our interactions. We must have the courage to stand up for our beliefs and do what is right. Our actions will instill public trust and a sense and feeling of protection and safety of each individual person of Storey County, resident and visitor alike," the sheriff's office said.
In a Facebook post, Firehouse Saloon shut down rumors that the people involved in the incident were affiliated with the business.
"Those people in the video are absolutely %100 NOT US." The company's Facebook page appeared to be deleted after the post.
Hot August Nights said in a statement that they revoked the registrations of the individuals in the video.
"We want to clarify that there were no Hot August Nights representatives, volunteers, or staff present in the video or involved in the situation. The individuals wearing Hot August Nights badges are event participants."
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