Durham, NC-- Some vandalism in the Triad has made national attention and federal investigators are involved.
On Tuesday, a week after the alleged crime, the NC NAACP is visiting the town where it happened.
The crime happened Tuesday night, May 22 on the property of 66 year-old Ernest Pinnix. Someone spray painted a expletive aimed towards President Obama on the property where Pinnix's business is located.
The day after the incident, the Caswell County NAACP Branch released this statement: "The citizens of Caswell County are shocked and appalled that this incident has occurred," said Mr. Nate Hall, President of the Caswell County Branch of the NAACP. "And of course, we are concerned about the welfare of Mr. Ernest Pinnix and his family. The Caswell County Branch of the NAACP fully supports Mr. Pinnix and his family and trusts that justice will be served."
On Friday, the NAACP called for a federal investigation into the crime. Over the weekend the US Secret Service and FBI confirmed they have opened an investigation into the case.
On Tuesday, the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP is planning a follow-up investigation on their own. The agency said they are sending members to Caswell County to conduct an on-site investigation of the recent racially-motivated vandalism of a black-owned business. Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II will lead a legal team from the NC NAACP to consult with local NAACP leadership and Ernest Pinnix and his family, whose auto repair shop was defaced last week.
According to the NAACP, the victim, Ernest Pinnix has been active in his community supporting boy scouts, and 4-H groups in the Brown's Chapel Cherry Grove Community of Caswell County. During last year's Christmas parade, he displayed a banner against putting the statue back in downtown Reidsville. He represents progressive politics and remains a vocal opponent, which is his right as a citizen. Married for 46 years, Mr. Pinnix is the father of two adult children.
The agency alleges that crime happens because Pinnix spoke against Reidsville allowing a confederate soldier monument being placed in the center of town. The monument was destroyed after a driver hit it in 2011.
Stay tuned to Digtriad and WFMY News 2 for updates.