FBI Says Bubba Wallace Is Not The Target Of A Hate Crime

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reporting that a noose found in the stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace had been there since October 2019 and that they will not file any federal charges.

Related Story: NASCAR Investigating Noose Found In Bubba Wallace's Garage Stall

U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and the FBI issued the following report.

“On Monday, fifteen FBI special agents conducted numerous interviews regarding the situation at Talladega Superspeedway. After a thorough review of the facts and evidence surrounding this event, we have concluded that no federal crime was committed. The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week. The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019. Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week. The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws. We offer our thanks to NASCAR, Mr. Wallace, and everyone who cooperated with this investigation.”

NASCAR released a statement , confirming that the noose found in Wallace’s garage was actually a rope that “fashioned like a noose" and that they are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional racist act. Many online have rushed to Wallace's defense after the announcement to remind others that Wallace was not the one who found the rope but that it was found by a member of the 43 team.