FBI Launches Probe Into Al Sharpton, Others Over Threats In Mississippi Case

Civil rights’ attorney Benjamin Crump and ‘activist’ Al Sharpton may have landed themselves in hot water with the FBI.

The bureau is investigating threats directed at the people who were with Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells in the hours before he disappeared and was later found dead, according to one of the state’s top law enforcement officials.

Wells, 18, vanished on July 4 after joining friends on a boating trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Search teams spent two days combing the area before a National Park Service ranger discovered his body on the island’s northwestern tip on July 6.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said Wednesday that the FBI is investigating threats made against public officials, the individuals who were with Wells before his disappearance, and their family members.

Tindell discussed the investigation during an appearance on Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s “The Sit Down”, hosted by Magnolia Tribune founder and CEO Russ Latino.

“I’m sure state law enforcement and the FBI is going to be very interested in investigating, so, you know, when you make those types of threats against public officials, against possible witnesses, and against, the, you know, the folks that are involved in this investigation and the family, then you are also, committing a criminal act, and that’s going to be taken very, very seriously,” Tindell said, according to Fox News.

Tindell said that what he described as “false information” circulating about Wells’ death has fueled public anger and heightened emotions, resulting in a surge of calls to his office, including what he characterized as direct threats.

He also said he believes Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has received threats related to the case.

“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity,” Tindell said.

“They’ve offered a hand, in this case, to do anything that that’s needed from their end,” he added.

“But they’re also taking a serious look, at some of these threats that have come across, to public officials, to witnesses to the family, to anybody involved in this case,” he continued.

Gov. Tate Reeves (R) told Fox News Digital that Sharpton and Crump were largely responsible for stirring up emotions and the threats that stemmed from that.

“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats,” Reeves told the outlet.

“They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers,” Reeves added.

“Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation,” the governor said.

“I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also drawing a hard line,” he added.

Tindell confirmed to Fox News Digital that the FBI has launched an investigation.

“I can confirm that we have had threats made against DPS employees and those threats are being actively investigated,” he said.

“Some potential witnesses and their families have also received threats and those are being investigated as well,” he said.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch stated to Fox News Digital that her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement involved in the case.

“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case,” she said.

“During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process,” Fitch added.

“Efforts to intimidate, disrupt, or interfere with the work of our law enforcement and prosecutors and threats to their well-being will be taken seriously and we will hold those who make them accountable,” she continued.

“A bright young life has been lost and we extend our prayers to his family,” Fitch said.