Three Arrested After Racial Slur Incident in Nevada

RENO, Nevada (AP) — Authorities arrested three individuals on Wednesday in connection with a heated verbal confrontation that took place last week in Virginia City, Nevada. The incident involved Ricky Johnson, a Black man who alleged that a white man directed a racial slur at him and made a threatening comment about a "hanging tree" during a signature collection event for a ballot measure at the Hot August Nights classic car festival. The altercation escalated as Johnson recorded the exchange, demanding that the man repeat his comments on video. The confrontation, which included loud and profane exchanges from both parties, was further complicated when a woman intervened, asserting that Johnson was on her property. Throughout the video, the specific "hanging tree" remark was not repeated, nor were any racial slurs captured. Following the incident, the Storey County Sheriff’s Office conducted interviews and gathered evidence before referring the case to the district attorney. The sheriff's office later announced the arrests, with the male suspect facing a gross misdemeanor charge for making racially charged threats, while one woman was charged with battery and another with interfering with a peace officer, both misdemeanors. Johnson, who hails from Houston and works for a Texas-based voter outreach company, expressed his distress over the incident, stating, “I’m still shaking every time I think about it.” The confrontation occurred in a popular tourist area known for its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere.