A white man by the name of Walton Henry Butler, 59, was shouting racial expletives’ at a group of black children who were playing in the apartment complex where he lived. Neighbors say he had done this several times recently. The children reported the abuse to their parents.
One parent, 32 year old Everett Gant went to talk to Butler about his comments to the children. According to Butler’s statement to the police, he shot Gant between the eyes, closed the sliding glass door leaving the African-American man bleeding outside, called 911 and then went to finish his dinner.
This happened in Gulf County in the small Florida town of Port St. Joe last Monday night. According to Gulf County Sheriff Joe Nugent “He (Butler) was brought to the investigation unit where he was interviewed and basically admitted to shooting the victim and said he shot a—(used a racial slur)— and said that is what he shot and acted like it was not like a big deal or anything to him.” The weapon Butler allegedly used was a 22 caliber rifle.
Video from WJHG who are covering the story:
Butler was charged with attempted murder, and it will be prosecuted as a hate crime. He is being held without bond in Gulf County Jail.
Gant is in serious condition but expected to live. Neighbors are shocked and out-raged and are holding a candle-light vigil in a nearby park. Evert’s mother, Gloria, a teacher in the public schools said she would not be able to cope with the situation without the support she has received from people in the community.
There are wackos in every segment of every society the world over and Butler is definitely one of them. I wrote this news piece because of the increasing denial of racism in our American culture. One can’t fix what one doesn’t acknowledge.
This piece of trash will use the “stand your ground” law as his defense.