Charleston Trials media statement
November 10, 2016
The City of Charleston’s Municipal Emergency Operation Center (MEOC) remained open today during the Slager and Roof trials for the City of Charleston, Charleston County, state and federal partners to manage events surrounding the trials and ensure lines of communications between law enforcement agencies and the community.
The City of Charleston Police Department Explosive Devices Team responded to the area of Meeting and Broad Streets in reference to a suspicious toolbox that was discarded in a trash can near City Hall. The toolbox was found to be empty. There were no street closures related to this incident or either trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charleston Police Department are now conducting a joint investigation into twelve letters referencing racial violence in the City of Charleston, after a letter was received by the Vendue Inn located at 19 Vendue Range on November 8th. Twelve such letters were received by several hotels, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and the James Island County Park at different times in October. The majority of those letters were reported to police between November 1 and November 4, 2016. All the letters were mailed from a location outside the United States.
Law enforcement officials always take these situations seriously and are working to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. Investigators have not developed information that identifies a particular person who may have mailed the letter or any specific, credible threats. Should additional information be developed, law enforcement will respond accordingly to address any threat posed to the community. In the meantime, in addition to security plans for the ongoing trials, high visibility patrols and officer Walk and Talks will be occurring regularly throughout the city.
Law enforcement officials at the local, state, and federal levels are working collectively during this time of heightened awareness in the Charleston area. They are asking that anyone who sees or hears anything they feel is suspicious or concerning to dial 911 immediately and alert law enforcement. Security is everyone’s responsibility and we need all citizens to be alert and active participants, especially during this time.
Questions concerning this matter may be referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Charleston Police Department.
The Charleston Police Department is investigating the vandalism of the Wade Hampton monument in Marion Square. The vandalism was discovered by city employees at 8:00 a.m. on November 8th. Someone used a black permanent marker to vandalize the monument. Anyone with information about this incident can call Consolidated Dispatch at 843 743 7200 and ask for the on duty CPD detective.
The Charleston County Judicial Center, which includes the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Charleston County Courthouse, received four bomb threats on November 8th. Law Enforcement searched the buildings and they were deemed safe. None of the buildings were evacuated. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the threats and anyone with information can call Consolidated Dispatch at 843 743 7200.
The City of Charleston Citizen Information line (843-973-7219) is active for citizens who have questions about how the public realm—parking, traffic, etc.—may be affected by events related to the trial.
