Yahoo News Pastor shouts ‘white power' during Trump parade in North Carolina, report says
A North Carolina pastor allegedly screamed “white power” during a trump parade after speaking at a rally where he praised the president and encouraged Trump supporters to “speak up”.
Jesse Hursey, who preaches at Bynum Baptist Church spoke at Ace Speedway in Elon, North Carolina spoke at a rally on Saturday organised by The Young Republicans of Alamance County before the incident occured, The News and Observer reported.
“First of all, I’m a Christian,” Mr Hursey said during the speech. “Second of all, I’m a Republican. And in that order.” Mr Hursey reportedly went on to praise Mr Trump and encouraged the president’s “silent majority” of supporters to speak out.
Following the speech, the pastor joined roughly 200 cars, trucks, and motorcycles in a parade through the town, according to the newspaper.
During the vehicle procession, Megan Squire, a computer science professor at Elon University was standing on a street corner holding a Black Lives Matter sign.
She recorded the vehicles as they passed during which a man in a black pickup truck was filmed screaming “white power” from the window of the vehicle. Another video recorded from the other side of the street also catches the phrase being shouted.
The Observer identified the man as Mr Hursey through witness accounts, comparison of videos and photos from the event, and slowing Ms Squire’s footage down.
Attendee's reportedly posted photos and videos online that corroborate the accusation that the pastor was driving the black truck and the newspaper said they spoke with several participants, speakers, and members of the audience.
When contacted by The Observer Mr Hursey declined to answer questions regarding the incident but said he denied "any false allegations and condemn all forms of racism”.
The Independent has reached out to Bynum Baptist Church in an attempt to reach Mr Hursey for comment.
TL Mann, chairman of The Young Republicans of Alamance County told The Observer that Mr Hursey “has been immediately removed from our organisation.”
Read more
Trump to buck local officials with ‘gargantuan’ rally they say poses ‘severe public health threat’
Health officials seek to block Trump rally in Virginia
Coronavirus: Trump rally-goers urged to get tested after packed North Carolina rally
