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Obama backer pelted with eggs

Police do not believe incident was a hate crime.

By TONY BRITT
tbritt@lakecityreporter.com
Published: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 6:13 AM EDT
A 18-year-old Columbia High School student was pelted with eggs Monday night while walking home from night classes at the Columbia School Board Administrative Complex adult education building. Authorities believe the attack may have been spurred on because of the teenager’s political views.

According to Lake City Police Department reports, Cordez King a volunteer with the Barack Obama campaign, was walking adjacent to U.S. Highway 90 near the supervisor of elections office when a car with male occupants inside threw eggs at him.

Lake City Police Department Lt. Joe Moody, the department’s public information officer, said the department received a call about the incident at 8:45 p.m. Monday.

Authorities reached the scene at 8:57 p.m. and were searching for a white car with four or five young men — described as the suspect vehicle.

King said he was struck by some of the eggs, but managed to dodge the others by ducking behind the political signs near the roadway.

He said he was struck by three eggs but managed to dodge the others.

Authorities are not labeling the attack a hate crime.

“I’m not sure this is a hate crime,” Moody said. “I found out he’s having issues at school now since he showed up on the front page of the Lake City Reporter.”

Last week King was featured in the Lake City Reporter after he and his friends were heckled and threatened by motorists as they held Obama campaign signs the on U.S. Highway 90 median.

Moody said the latest incident could be additional fallout for King’s support of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Moody said an investigator has been assigned to the case, to interview King and continue the investigation.

“This is the first case of egging I’ve heard of in years, not saying that it hasn’t happened,” Moody said.

Glynnell Presley, branch secretary of the Columbia County National Associa-tion for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) also said he believes the attack stems from King’s political support for the minority presidential candidate.

“We feel this was perpetrated because of his support for Barack Obama,” Presley said. “Some of the verbiage that (the car’s occupants) used indicated that. It’s a bad day when a person can’t exercise his constitutional rights to support the individual of his choice.”

Presley said he suspects King’s attackers were high school students because he’s been accosted at the high school for wearing an Obama political pin.

“All kinds of things are going on and it appears to be directed at the Obama people,” he said. “That’s those mean-spirited people — people who because they don’t agree with your candidate — they do all kinds of things to try to disrupt, destroy or harm individuals.”

Moody said the incident is not typical of local election-year incidents.

“This is the first incident,” he said. “They have the theft of the political signs, which is an ongoing thing, but that’s not really geared towards any one particular person, race or anything like that. That’s part of their game, but this is the first crime against somebody for political choice if that’s what it ends up being.”


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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of lakecityreporter.com.

Terrible wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:23 AM:

" This is absolutely a hate crime. Regardless of race, we all have the right to support and campaign for who we choose. This young man's civil rights have been compromised and it was motivated by hate. This behavior is reprehensible and irresponsible. "

hometowngirl wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:34 AM:

" This really saddens me. I feel just because I'm white,I have to be in the closet with my support for Obama.I have to keep quiet at work.I wish this election was over already. "

Change wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:45 AM:

" ...And no one knows why so many life long, high profile intellectual conservatives are leaving the GOP and going over to Obama?
These people are not being lured to the left by exciting liberal ideas, they are being driven from the Republican Party by it's recent affection for incredibly stupid people. "

Willie Makit wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:26 AM:

" Welcome to Lake City!!!

"Moody said the incident is not typical of local election-year incidents."

Where has Officer Moody been for past couple of elections? "

Taylor wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:45 AM:

" This is the one of the reason's why I do not live in Lake City anymore. Why have they not been arrested ? I'm a white male. "

shawn wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:20 PM:

" I hope that this young man does not let let the ignorant few discourage him from doing what he knows is right. I would also like to know were the kids at the high school disciplined for their actions?
OBAMA 08" "

Leon Graham wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Cordez is my cousin and we are very proud of his involvement in this election at such a young age.Its time to unite ,black and white and put racism behind us.And thats change we can believe in!!! OBAMA 08 "

Trevor H wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:36 PM:

" One question: how does one determine what candidate one supports at 8:45 PM. AT NIGHT in the dark?

2nd time he's been 'harassed' and the Lake City Reporter gets 'the scoop' both times. Hmmm.. that sure sound plausible. Sounds like perhaps another made-up story by an attention seeker..

Before jumping to conclusions of racism here, take this story with a grain of salt, folks.. "

Demarcus A. Graham wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:42 PM:

" Mr. King is a relative of mine and I can trully say that I am proud of him for his involvement in the political process,when so many young people are worried if the new "name brand clothing" is going to look fashionable this season. No matter whom he supports his actions are nonviolent and peaceful and he should be allowed to support whomever he chooses to without fear of bigotry or violence. It is okay to not have the same political views as long as we respect one another. "

Patricia wrote on Oct 29, 2008 1:15 PM:

" This is a sad but true comment on the North Florida mentality. These high school kids are just mimicking what they have heard from their close minded parents. McCain and Palin are all about hate. They want to keep the war going and keep the rich rich...... "

Disappointed wrote on Oct 29, 2008 2:07 PM:

" I am a white female and I support Obama. Not only do I support him, I would be proud to call him my president. The fact that racist red-necks can't get over him not being white, really upsets me. As far as I'm concerned what Cordez King did and is going through proves he's the better man. "

Lori Frazier wrote on Oct 29, 2008 2:14 PM:

" We became aware of harassment against people of color and Obama supporters in Columbia County as the result of a conversation with a salesperson in a Lake City store. It saddened and sickened us. Mr. King and others like him are courageous and represent the hope that is sweeping this country like a breath of fresh air. "

MasterBlaster wrote on Oct 29, 2008 3:32 PM:

" This sounds like a random act. How would they know he was an obama supporter?

And to those people calling Lake Citians names like "racist red neck"..sounds like YOU are the racists! People are not NOT voting for obama because he is black...they are not voting for him because of his socialist left wing whacko views! Like "Spread the wealth...". I would vote for Condi Rice in a heart beat! She's black isn't she? But then she is a conservative and that doesn't count to liberals does it. Of course if you are one of the ones receiving welfare and food stamps and free housing etc. like you probably are.....then of course you are going to vote for obama, so the rest of us will continue to have to support you when he raises the taxes!
Stop blaming everything on race! You obviously do not have the intelligence to know the difference between political views and race! By the way, if you don't like Lake City...then move! I despise this "holier than thou" attitude from left wing liberals. "

Hope wrote on Oct 29, 2008 3:45 PM:

" What hope is that? Socialism? That's not the hope or change I'm looking for. It is sad that a few ignorant people have chose to do such an act as this, but Obama is not the answer for this country. Also, just because someone holds a political sign doesn't make them a hero. Heroes are people like our solders in Iraq.

I have hope. Hope that God will intervien in this presidential election. I can not understand how any Christian can vote for someone who has such a liberal record and supports the immorality that Obama supports (e.i. abortion, views on government and religion, socialism, etc).

Christians need to ask themselves. What WOULD Jesus Do? If you read the Bible and have any conviction then you know what the answer is.

BTW, if you still do not believe Obama is not a muslin then take a look at this. Obama slips up in an interview with George Stephanopolis and says, "My Muslim Faith.". Meanwhile, George has to correct him by saying, "You mean Christian Faith?" This is proof enough for me. You don't slip up like that. "

hmmm wrote on Oct 29, 2008 4:02 PM:

" Someone not wanting to vote for Obama has nothing to do with race. It is what he is wanting to do to our country that is why he won't get my vote. All anyone has to do is pay attention and they can see how he wants to change our flag and do away with our nation anthem. He said that on face the nation. He wants to spread the wealth. we are a great free nation and socialism isn't wanted or needed here. NOW, what happened to this kid is wrong. It never should have happened. It happens on both sides. Just read more news than the lake city reporter and you will see that. And McCain and Palin isn't about hate. It is sad for anyone to bring race into this. Not voting for Obama will never be about race. It is about our freedom. "

MR. P wrote on Oct 29, 2008 4:03 PM:

" YA'LL NEED TO GET A GRIP. IF THESE WERE REDNECK RACISTS MR.KING WOULD SURELY NOT BE ABLE TO TELL HIS STORY. THESE ARE JUST A BUNCH OF STUPID KIDS OUT KILLING TIME. IT AMAZES ME HOW FAST PEOPLE JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS THAT MARK LOCALS IN THIS WONDERFUL TOWN AS ANTI-BLACK. NOW THAT IS RACIST. VOTE FOR WHOEVER YOU WANT-- JUST VOTE---- REMEMBER WHO SUFFERED FOR HIS COUNTRY AS A POW AND WHO HAS SUFFERED A FEW MONTHS IN THE SENATE-------DAH "

Racial sensitivity training wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:23 PM:

" Apparently, Moody received his racial sensitivity training under the ex-short-lived police chief. If this is not because of race, then what is it? It's King's and Obama's race. They do forget that Obama is just as white as he is black. "

Demarcus A. Graham wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:30 PM:

" It trully makes me sad to hear individuals speak of Mr. Obama like this. First of all, his opinion on "abortion" in his first debate against Senator Mccain he stated that in his personal views of abortion he stated" My personal view on abortion is that it is wrong, a woman has the right to do what she pleases with her body and whom am I to tell her what to do with hers. Second, a co-worker of mine once stated that he visually watched Mr. Obama state that he would not say the pledge, come on anyone who decides to run for the most powerful office in the land would not be silly enough to have such views. It is one thing to have your views. It's another thing to be dead wrong. People if you are going to quote things you see on tv please make sure that you either get your facts from a nonpartisan source. Also they also invented something on the internet called transcripts, find an independent source and read it twice if necessary. I beg of you check your sources and then state what you have read. Thank you, and May God Bless America. This includes all people and races, it is time to unite and not continue to be devisive. "

Astonished wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:31 PM:

" Dear Mr. P,

You said, "IF THESE WERE REDNECK RACISTS MR.KING WOULD SURELY NOT BE ABLE TO TELL HIS STORY."

This is an extremely vile statement. Shame on you.

This election is not a Black/White issue. I find it ridiculous and disturbing that Americans would place a vote for the next leader of our country based on the color of their skin!

Keep skin color out of it.
Keep religion out of it.
Keep ignorant viewpoints out of it.

No wonder we look like complete fools to the rest of the world! "

To Hope wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:32 PM:

" It seems you are saying that it's okay to throw eggs or harass those who are for a candidate you do not support. You say nothing about the problem here. All you do is spew religious right propaganda. You are very uninformed and either misunderstood or got your "information" on the Obama interview from Fox "noise." "

Leon Graham wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:03 PM:

" One thing we can all learn about this ,is that despite the battle with race relations in this election. We really have a big problem here in Lake City,FL. Change is coming no matter how many racist people out. This is an new era, an era of unity. Twenty years from now, racism will be the thing of the past. But right now we will have a democratic president. And continue to lead the world into the next generation.America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. The only place on earth you can be what you want to be. So embrace change and God Bless America "

Also to Hope wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:04 PM:

" Snopes.c o m is a very wonderful way to get factual information about Obama, rather than what you read in an e-mail forward.

Your question about Obama's supposed "Slip of the tongue" can be found on there as well, and of course, disputed. "

MR.P wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:42 PM:

" DEAR ASTONISHED;
IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A BLACK/WHITE ISSUE YOU NEED TO PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND AND LOOK AROUND. IS THERE A COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO REGISTER POOR WHITES? WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS VOTER FRAUD AND AN ILLEGAL EFFORT TO REGISTER PEOPLE THAT WERE EITHER TO STUPID OR TO LAZY TO DO IT ON THEIR OWN. GET REAL ! "

Dawn S. NEW YORK wrote on Oct 29, 2008 9:29 PM:

" You Know what Amazes me? that if this were any other reson it would not even be news worthy. but b/c it is a BHO supporter Its A Racial Hate Crime....Obama Camp has got people so scared to say anything or ask anything Cause if you ask REAL questions About Real Stuff You get shut down and you are told you are racist....BIG FRIGGING deal His skin is Black Actually He is a MIxed Breed,Half Breed What ever....but lets pretend he is a republican for one minute and a woman....Now Ask about his Past,HS College years His BIRTH certificate HIS CLOSEST FRIENDS HIS PASTOR CHOICE Well He Still aint going to answer you CAUSE we Stupid ignorant class of people DO NOt DESERVE An Answer Thats WHY HE is A FREAK of NATURE & WILL NOT BE ELECTED.....Sorry young man the people who egged you were a product of the ignorance BHO supplies....Take A shower & Get over it! As for the rest of you READERS WAKE UP & VOTE on RECORD & SAFETY & Experience.....VOTE FOr YOur Self But DONT PUT THAT INEXPERIENCED Community Organizing Spread the wealth Distributor in our White House... "

Additional fallout wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:02 PM:

" When were the crimes of assault and battery deemed "additional fallout" when the circumstances involve a young American taking seriously the responsibilities of living in a Democracy?

Did Moody really use that term, or is this just lousy reporting? "

RENTZ wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:06 AM:

" First of all I would like to say that I am very proud of my nephew for the strength and courage he's shown these last few months.You have to remember it is Lake City FL,which is why I moved away to get far away from the ignorance of closed minded people,its embarassing to even say that it is my hometown.I think those nobodies that did this horrible crime should get a life and find something positive to do.And to hope and mr p you seem as dumb as the comments you tried to make, because apparently you are not in the 21st century with the majority of the world....CATCH UP.JUST BE PREPARED FOR MORE OF THE DISGUSTING IGNORANCE. "

I FEEL SORRY wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:09 AM:

" I FEEL SORRY FOR THE PEOPLE IN LAKE CITY THAT HAS TO DEAL WITH A POLICE CHIEF THAT HAS NO INSIGHT ON RACISM,BUT THEN AGAIN HE PROBABLY DOESN'T CARE,JUST AS LONG AS HIS FAMILY IS NOT HARMED. "

Upset wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:16 AM:

" I am annoyed to see that acouple of these comments posted here are towards the Presidential and VP candidates and not toward the article it self.
Please make sure before commenting, it's about the article not about your ideals of the election.

I do believe that every person has their own right to choose who they vote for and cheer on for, it's sad to see kids stoop so low to throwing eggs just because they chose to go towards one candidate than the other.
I also do agree on what 'Trevor H' has typed, take a double look on how specific the article and the previous one that King is in as well, and a news reporter to catch both incidents and report them. That's just impossible, unless that reporter had some involvement in them. "

for change wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:48 AM:

" Hope you need to get over it and move on. I am a Christian and I don't judge people by the color of there skin. "

Bob wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:28 AM:

" Astonished,

If you do not think this election is based on skin color - I highly recommend you crawl back under that rock you've been under.

This election has announced several hundred times on the media "the first African American" to become a president. That my friend is nothing short of "skin color."

The African Americans are voting based solely on skin color. The media has interviewed hundreds and when asked about the issues that Obama stands for, the only statement made was "we need a black man" in the White house.

We look like a fool to the world because we nominate idiots to run for presidents.

Trust me - W being one of the biggest. "

DLD wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:58 AM:

" To Hope: If indeed Barack Obama is a Muslim...so what? Get off your high hypocritcal horse and ask the Lord for forgiveness for your behavior because true Christians don't behave the way your acting. This message is coming from a true hero...a 17 1/2 year active duty military who has served in Afghanistan and will be serving in Iraq in January. My service to my your country provides the freedom for you and he to worship whatever religion you choose too. Make your decisions at the polls next Tuesday and my the best candidate win. "

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