A white man who is reportedly a member of the hate group the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) shot his daughter’s Black boyfriend several times and after being arrested, was released on just $500 bail, according to News One
.Patrick Creath Jr., 43, has been charged with malicious wounding, along with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, in connection with the shooting that took place in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on June 19th.
Court documents state that on June 19th, Creath claimed his daughter’s boyfriend “kept threatening to kill him” and pointed a gun at him and his daughter “as if to shoot them” while he was driving away. Creath claimed he feared for their lives and shot the boyfriend “in defense of himself and his daughter.” The boyfriend was hit three times and his car was riddled with bullets.
Police responded to the scene and claim that they recovered a gun that was allegedly the boyfriend's, yet, he has not been charged with any crime.
A woman who identified herself as the cousin of the victim posted her outrage on Twitter.
A Change.org petition has been started to upgrade the charges to a federal hate crime. The petition was looking to obtain 25,000 signatures and is close to its goal.
"KKK member Patrick Fontaine Creath Jr shot his white daughters black boyfriend, three times June 19, 2020 in Virginia Beach VA. The 43-year-old Patrick Fontaine Creath Jr., stayed at the scene. He was taken into custody and charged with felonious assault and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. The outcry for justice on social media is great. Pictures of the black young mans injuries have circulated showing the tragedy that took place on the afternoon of June 19, which are horrific.
"Patrick Fontaine Creath Jr was released from jail on $5000 bond. His behavior was a hate crime and should be prosecuted as such. This petition is to bring change to the injustice to the young man that sustained injuries due to racism. Had this situation been vice versa, the black young man that was shot would still be behind bars without the possibility of bond.
"This story also has not received the attention it deserves on local or national news. The charges should be upgraded to federal hate crime charges with no bond. Please sign the petition to bring justice to the injured young man. The time of turning a blind eye to racism and hate is over. No longer will we tolerate being treated as less than human. We demand justice!"