Black Man Shot at While Waiting for Work Calls for South Carolina Hate Crime Law

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – For Jarvis McKenzie, a routine early morning wait for his ride to work turned into a life-threatening ordeal when a white man pointed a rifle at him, fired, and shouted racial slurs. Now, McKenzie is urging South Carolina lawmakers to finally pass a state hate crime law.

“You Better Get Running, Boy”

On July 24, McKenzie was waiting in his neighborhood when a man in a car pulled up, raised a rifle, and shot over his head while yelling: “You better get running, boy!” McKenzie scrambled behind a brick wall for cover.

He said he knew instantly the attack was because of his race: “It’s heartbreaking to know that I get up every morning. I stand there not knowing if he had seen me before.”

Local Ordinances vs. State Law

While Richland County has its own hate crime ordinance, punishments are limited to misdemeanors carrying no more than a month in jail. The shooter, caught on security camera video firing from his car, is the first to face such a charge locally.

Supporters argue that only a statewide law could add serious prison time to racially motivated crimes. South Carolina and Wyoming are the only two states without such legislation.

Decade of Stalled Efforts

Efforts to pass a state hate crime law intensified after the 2015 Emanuel AME Church massacre in Charleston, where nine Black worshippers were killed. In 2021, the South Carolina House passed a bill, but the Senate has refused to bring it to a vote.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said opponents view hate crime legislation as “feel good” policy that deepens division, not unity.

Why Federal Laws Aren’t Enough

Opponents point to existing federal hate crime laws, such as those used to convict the Charleston shooter. But local officials like Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott argue federal cases can’t cover juveniles and depend on Washington’s limited resources.

“It’s common sense,” Lott said. “If you commit a crime against somebody just because of the hate for them, we know what that is.”

The Governor’s Position

Governor Henry McMaster has resisted, arguing existing assault and violent crime statutes are sufficient: “There’s no such thing as a love crime. There is always an element of hatred or disrespect or something like that.”

But critics, including McKenzie’s attorney Tyler Bailey, say South Carolina’s refusal to act emboldens extremists: “The subliminal message is that if you’re racist and you want to commit a crime and target somebody, you can do it here.”

Living in Fear

McKenzie, once comfortable sitting outside at 5:30 a.m. waiting for his ride, now says every trip out of his home is clouded with fear.

“I feel like somebody is watching me. I feel like I’m being followed,” he said. “It spooked me.”

Should South Carolina finally pass a hate crime law to protect residents like McKenzie? Share your views with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.