Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a viral video that appears to show a man using racial slurs at a woman inside a Walmart in Rostraver Township. The case has been transferred to the State Police Criminal Investigation Unit after an initial inquiry by local police. The woman, Augusta Goll, an immigrant from Liberia who runs a grocery in Charleroi, said the man later left an apology note and that she believes in forgiveness. Authorities say the probe is active and are asking the public to contact the Belle Vernon detachment with tips.
Pennsylvania Man Under Investigation After Viral Video Shows Racial Harassment at Walmart
Justin Sullivan/GettyStock photo of people in front of a Walmart
Pennsylvania authorities are investigating a viral video filmed inside a Walmart in Rostraver Township that appears to show a man directing racial slurs and harassing a woman while she shopped. The footage, which was shared on Facebook, prompted an initial inquiry by the Rostraver Township Police Department before the case was transferred to the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigation Unit.
What the Video Shows
According to local and national reports, the video shows a man holding a cellphone as he approaches a woman in the store, asking intrusive questions about her finances and repeatedly using racist language. The clip circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention and calls for a thorough investigation.
Victim Identified
The woman who reported the encounter has been identified as Augusta Goll. CBS News and local outlets say Goll is an immigrant from Liberia who owns and operates a grocery store in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
Victim's Response
“It’s not something I will forget, but I believe in forgiveness,” Goll told KDKA, adding, “He needs help.”
Goll also told reporters the man later visited her store and left an apology note. She said she would try to move past the incident while remaining mindful of what happened.
Ongoing Investigation
In a news release, Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation remains active. Investigators are conducting multiple interviews and gathering additional evidence. State police confirmed they are coordinating the probe with the Rostraver Township Police Department, the FBI and personnel from area district attorney's offices.
Officials have asked anyone with information about the individual shown in the video to contact the Pennsylvania State Police detachment in Belle Vernon. The release noted that further information will be shared through official channels as it becomes available.
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