South Carolina Statehouse Blog

Columbia, S.C. - June 2, 2010 - Gov. Mark Sanford today issued the following statement:

“In light of the tragic news coming from Newberry County today, I want to commend Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster and others in law enforcement for responding quickly and decisively to this most troubling situation. Our office would ask for people’s thoughts and prayers for the family of the victim of this horrendous crime.

“As the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office said earlier today, there may be reason to believe that this crime potentially has elements related to a hate crime, and as Sheriff Foster and others go about determining this we would urge two things:

“One, that people stay calm until the facts are settled and law enforcement * in this case including the local sheriff’s office, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation * has a chance to fully investigate the crime. We will extend all state resources necessary to local law enforcement in completing this investigation.

“And two, that if this ends up being the case, we recognize it and condemn it for what it would be - an isolated incident of hate that is indeed to be deeply condemned from all corners of the state and nation. It would represent an event that certainly does not accurately reflect the good and decent people of South Carolina, and an incident that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”