A Black woman’s disturbing interaction with a group of MAGA supporters led her to seek help from the North Carolina sheriff’s department. However, according to a viral video, she alleges an officer blew her off with a backhanded racist comment.
A woman named Veleria Levy took to TikTok to share an encounter she had at a political fair in Concord, NC. where she ran a booth for the Democratic Party. She alleged three men and a woman approached her at the fair boasting about former President Donald Trump which (expectedly) turned into a heated debate. Levy claimed in a separate video that they called her a b***h and used “hate-filled rhetoric” toward her.
When she went to report the interaction to the Cabarrus County sheriff’s deputies present at the event, the MAGA group had already gotten to the officers first. In the clip Levy posted of her interaction with the officers, one told her she needed video proof that the other side were the instigators of the dispute.
“I’ve got your side and I’ve got their side. So, the only fair way to do it, if there’s not a video, is to make both parties leave because both are being disruptive,” the officer said in the video. After that, he began to make comments that offended Levy. “You’re giving attitude — no wonder, I could see why they probably didn’t get along with you. I’m not making them leave unless you leave with them.”
“Oh, because I am standing up for myself. I’m Black, so I’m giving attitude?” Levy responded.
“I don’t wanna hear that Black crap,” the officer said, followed by claiming one of the men Levy argued with was Black.
No resolution came from the interaction, as the video shows Levy agreeing to just go back to her booth. However, in a statement provided to The Root, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office said that Levy’s videos were brought to their attention by other local residents. The department identified the officer in the video clip as Capt. Chris Measimer, whom they said was immediately placed on administrative leave and faced disciplinary action.
Levy said that the Professional Standards Division also contacted her “several times” and that she was satisfied with the actions taken.
“The internal affairs department at the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office called and the first thing out of their mouth was to apologize and to say they are not that way, that they hope that I’m okay,” Levy said in a follow-up video. She also shared that she was glad the officer wasn’t fired.
“Had he lost his job, it quite honestly wouldn’t be safe for people like me out here,” she said. “His supporters have said it in the comments.” She also said that she suggested that the department make improvements in their recruiting process and implement consistent DEI trainings.
“We understand the vital role of education in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” the department said in its statement to The Root. “We are committed to continuous improvement and are always seeking new ways to better meet all citizens’ needs.”