SC threats against lawmakers over Confederate flag issue

[Bob Juch]

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
SLED says it is investigating threats made against South Carolina lawmakers debating the Confederate battle flag issue.

"We recognize the First Amendment protections offered for free speech," reads a statement from South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel issued Wednesday. "That’s not what this is about. Legislators on both sides of the issue have received communications that include death threats. That’s not free speech; it’s illegal to threaten to kill or injure a public official or their immediate family."

SLED officials say they are investigating "a number of threatening communications sent to members of the S.C. General Assembly over the Confederate Flag issue."

The South Carolina Legislature is debating a bill that would remove the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds.

"There are strong emotions on all sides of this issue," Keel said. "Our goal is to keep that discussion on a constructive path that will be best for all South Carolinians. To threaten the life or well-being of a lawmaker or their family is inexcusable.

SLED will work with our law enforcement partners at all levels in South Carolina and elsewhere to investigate, make arrests and bring those responsible for these threats to the bar of justice.”