The FBI is currently investigating a disturbing act of racism in South Carolina involving a white couple who allegedly burned a cross near their black neighbors' home. Worden Butler and Alexis Hartnett were arrested last month for erecting and setting fire to the cross over Thanksgiving weekend. The couple's home in Conway was searched by federal agents as part of an ongoing criminal civil rights investigation into allegations of racial discrimination. According to a police report, Hartnett even continued her racist tirade when the police arrived, repeatedly using racial slurs towards her neighbors.

Following the cross-burning incident, Butler took to Facebook and posted threatening notes, including a photo of the victims' mailbox with their address. He wrote about summoning the devil's army and making the victims pay. Both Butler and Hartnett were charged with harassment, and Hartnett also faced an additional charge of assault. They were booked and released on bail shortly after their arrests.

The victims, Shawn and Monica Williams, have been subjected to a pattern of racist harassment since moving into their retirement home two years ago. They have been called racial slurs and threatened by their neighbors multiple times. Monica described Butler as being blatant with his use of racial slurs, even chasing off surveyors and utility workers. The Williamses fear for their safety and feel that the arrests are not enough to protect them from their racist neighbors.

South Carolina, along with Wyoming, is one of the two states in the country without a hate crime law. The cross-burning incident has reignited the fight to pass such a law in the state. The NAACP has launched its own investigation into the incident, and members believe that this incident will help push for the passage of a hate crime law.

The FBI is working with the US Attorney's Office and local and state partners to investigate the racially-motivated harassment. The Horry County Police Department has also expressed its commitment to the case, emphasizing that hate and harassment will not be tolerated in the county. The community has been shaken by this incident, and civil rights leaders, along with various organizations, are calling for action to address the issue of racism in the state.

The Williamses, who intended to retire peacefully in Conway, are now living in fear due to the ongoing harassment. They believe that more needs to be done to hold their neighbors accountable and ensure their safety. They hope that the incident will raise awareness about the need for stronger laws against hate crimes in South Carolina and lead to a more inclusive and tolerant community.