NJ man’s racist rant blamed on alcohol: mayor wants federal investigation

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A day after angry protesters gathered outside the home of a man whose racist tirade was filmed, the Mayor of Mount Laurel calls for a federal investigation into hate crimes.

Mayor Stephen Steglik issued a statement saying, “The events of Mount Laurel have brought to light broader systemic issues across our state and across our country. “

In a viral video, Edward Matthews is seen and heard using racial slurs, including the N word, when confronting a neighbor. His tirade continues even as the police arrive. He ends up running away.

He is accused of bullying bias based on his actions in the video.

After the video went viral, more than 100 protesters showed up at Matthews’ home.

Steglik says he has met with members of the community and called on the Mount Laurel Council to form a diversity and inclusion board.

While Steglik defended the police, he criticized the courts.

“When a judge ignores calls from local police to issue an arrest warrant on the day of a widely reported incident despite a history of lifelong harassment, it is a problem within our system that only hinders our police to protect our residents, ”he said.

When words are thrown that have deep meanings followed by someone physically disrespecting someone based on their race, it should be treated as more than a random altercation. That is why I am calling for a federal hate crime investigation into the actions and words of Matthews on film. Matthews’ behavior, both physically and verbally, shows an individual with deep-rooted anger and bigotry and it needs to be addressed.

The Burlington County District Attorney said his office is launching an independent investigation into Matthews ‘past behavior, but will also review the police department’s response to residents’ complaints.

The prosecutor also said some of the protesters could be charged with throwing water bottles, smashing windows and causing other property damage.

Matthews told 6 ABC Action News he was drunk at the time of his tirade on Friday and said he was irrelevant. He asked for forgiveness and wanted to make things right with his neighborhood. His ex-wife, meanwhile, accused the media of blowing things up.

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