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FBI Investigating Lake Monroe Incident As Possible Hate Crime

By Mitch Legan

Posted July 7, 2020

Vauhxx Booker video still

A still of Vauhxx Booker (between the man in red and woman in blue) being pinned to a tree near Lake Monroe. Booker says the men in the group threatened to use a noose on him. (Vauhxx Booker)

The Federal Bureau of Investigations is investigating the assault on Bloomington resident Vauhxx Booker as a possible hate crime, according to Booker’s attorney, Kitty Liell.

“An official investigation has been opened up by the FBI,” Liell said during a news conference at the Monroe County courthouse. “I believe it has been approved by the United States Attorney’s Office and they are investigating this as a hate crime.”

READ MORE: DNR Investigating After Black Man Reports Racist Issue At Lake Monroe

Booker, who is Black, was assaulted by a group of White men on the Fourth of July as he made his way through the woods to Lake Monroe to watch the lunar eclipse. As the men pinned Booker against a tree for allegedly passing through private property, he says they threatened to use a noose on him.

Department of Natural Resources officers arrived at the scene after, since they had jurisdiction over the area. 

Officers interviewed both groups, watched the cell phone video and decided not to make arrests, saying they’d follow up with the county prosecutor’s office.

Hundreds of people gathered around the courthouse square Monday night to demand justice for Booker. As protesters were crossing the street, the driver of a red Toyota Camry appeared to get impatient with the crowd and hit the gas. Two people were injured and are recovering. 

READ MORE: Car Speeds Into Protesters At Rally Against Racism In Bloomington

Bloomington police are still looking for the driver, passenger and the vehicle involved in last night’s hit-and-run. 

The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident at the lake. The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office hasn’t given a timeline on whether it will bring charges against those who assaulted Booker on July 4. 

This story has been updated. 

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