Pender Commissioner Files Report Over Threatening Facebook Comment
PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — A Pender County commissioner says he has been the target of bullying, harassment, and racism following a series of posts and comments on a local Facebook page, including one comment that called for him to be hanged.
Commissioner Jimmy Tate pointed to posts on the Outdoorsmen of Pender County Facebook page, which is run by Henry Temple. One post stated, “When an official steps down, our investigation stops.”
Tate also pointed to a comment made on a separate post on the page that said, “Hang him.”
Tate said he believes the comments are part of an effort to force him out of office and said he has been targeted by people who want to push him off the county commission.
“They will do anything to destroy me, and they will do anything just so they can gain the seat that I won, and they’re willing to sell any kind of false narrative or anything in order to get me out of the seat or even allow a comment that says ‘hang him,'” said Tate.
Temple said he has since removed the “Hang him” comment from the Facebook page.
In a public statement, Outdoorsmen of Pender County said, “Outdoorsmen of Pender County has removed a third-party comment perceived as threatening toward a Pender County commissioner. We unequivocally condemn the comment and encourage law enforcement to review the matter accordingly. We were first made aware of the comment this afternoon, which initially did not appear to be on the Outdoorsmen page. The commenter is unknown to us, and we have never met or communicated with that individual. The comment does not represent our views or values. We strongly condemn all threats of violence.”
Tate responded by saying, “Mr. Temple’s apology is meaningless given the history of attacks, including a post referencing a Wilmington newspaper clipping months ago about an African American drug dealer being connected with me. A pattern exists, and I have reached my limit for enduring this harassment without seeking legal recourse. Most disturbing, a post stating “HANG HIM” was reportedly allowed to remain on a page he identified himself as managing for approximately five weeks. Given the context and history, it is clear that Mr. Temple knows what he is doing. Only after significant public criticism is he now addressing this pattern of improper actions and racist filth on his page. The damage has already been done. In my opinion, he isn’t trying to correct a problem—he’s just frustrated he’s been exposed.”
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a report has been filed.
“There has been a report filed. The case is currently under investigation at this time with no additional information to provide.”
