BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Investigators with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office identified a suspect involved in the dissemination of antisemitic literature throughout the Carolina Shores community.
On Thursday, hundreds of homes in the small community of 4,700 had flyers distributed in their driveways perpetuating bigoted sentiments. According to WECT, one of Port City Daily’s media partners, the materials were sexually explicit and called Jewish people pedophiles. The leaflets criticized the Biden administration for its inclusion of Jewish people and included a quote from the “White Power” publication by George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of the American Nazi Party.
The FBI and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident. BCSO has issued warrants for four counts of misdemeanor littering. The sheriff’s office public information officer, Emily Flax, said while the actions of the individual are hateful, they do not constitute a hate crime or ethnic intimidation under North Carolina law.
She added the name of the suspect will be released when they are formally served, as unserved warrants are not public record in North Carolina.
The Brunswick Board of Commissioners lambasted the materials in a statement Friday, released by Chair Randy Thompson. They describe the literature as disgusting and disturbing.
“We vehemently condemn such propaganda and the hatred and discrimination it perpetuates against our residents, family members, colleagues, and friends who are Jewish or people of color.
“There is no place for hate against anyone based on their religion or skin color in Brunswick County or our country. The Commissioners call on all residents to stand up and speak out against all acts of racism and antisemitism. Together we will continue to work toward building a community that inspires peace, respect, and kindness toward everyone.”
Antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate incidents have spiked in the United States since the most recent Israel-Hamas war began after Hamas’ attack October 7, according to reports by the Anti-Defamation League and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The BCSO thanked residents for assistance in identifying the suspect and expressed gratitude that no person or property was damaged during the incident.
“To our Jewish and multicultural neighbors who have been hurt by this terrible act, we want you to know that we stand with you and that you belong in Brunswick County,” Brunswick commissioners added in their statement.
Tips or comments? Email journalist Peter Castagno at peter@localdailymedia.com.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
