'I was really stunned.' Chatham County candidates received homophobic, racist texts and threats
The North Carolina State Board of Elections is looking into a number of racist and homophobic threats and slurs sent to candidates in Chatham County.
Posted — UpdatedBoth candidates said they're determined to serve the people who live in the community and the threatening text messages will not stop their efforts.
One of the texts sent to Rev. Albert Reddick, who is a county commissioner candidate, showed an image of a gorilla in a noose.
"I was really stunned in terms of the sickness behind it and trying to grapple with it," said Reddick.
"After thought and prayer and deliberation, we decided to file a complaint," said Reddick. "We need to speak to it and let them know we are not afraid of them, but we are fearful for our life."
Just a couple of blocks away, mayoral candidate Nick Gallardo said he's also been threatened through text messages.
"Sometimes I drive at night and I do get followed and my heart starts moving a little," said Gallardo.
Gallardo said he's received close to 100 homophobic text messages and images.
"I was shocked and surprised at the same time," he said.
Gallardo said he thinks he knows why he's received the offensive messages.
"One of my running mates is gay. We don't feel comfortable disclosing who that is. It is not my business to do that," said Gallardo.
Gallardo said he didn't file a police report for the threatening messages. He cited some in the community saying it wouldn't make a difference.
But, Gallardo said that is the reason he is staying in the race.
"I'm more ready to lead these people into change," he said.
"If a person that sick can travel to Buffalo and kill 10 people, they can do the same thing to me here," said Reddick.
WRAL News called the number the text messages were sent from and did not get a response. The Siler City Police Department also did not respond to WRAL News' request for further information about the investigation.
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