Al Sharpton is urging Democrats to probe the tragic death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, should they secure the majority in the House.
Nolan Wells passed away following a July 4 boating excursion to Horn Island, Mississippi, accompanied by three white teenagers. During a discussion at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Atlanta, Sharpton was joined by prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and members of Wells’ family. The gathering raised questions about the circumstances of Wells’ death, especially considering Mississippi’s complex racial background, which Sharpton believes demands a thorough investigation.
“I haven’t pieced together all the facts yet, but I’m well aware of Mississippi’s historical context,” Sharpton commented. “What history illustrates is cause for concern: a Black youngster ventures out with three white peers, the white peers return, but the story has gaps.”
“Something about this doesn’t add up, especially given your historical record,” Sharpton continued. “I’m committed to unraveling the truth of this incident. It might result in nothing significant, but we can’t afford to risk leaving questions unanswered when past narratives have been distorted. We’re committed to pursuing clarity in this case.”
Sharpton then pivoted to the upcoming November elections, emphasizing that a House controlled by Democrats could potentially launch an inquiry into the matter, should official responses fall short.
“If we have a change in January and there is a Democratic House, I said that if Hakeem becomes the speaker, he needs to have the chair of Judiciary subpoena them to the Judiciary Department,” Sharpton continued.
Questions about Wells’ death have fueled widespread attention and demands for more information from authorities. Sharpton, actor and producer Tyler Perry, and former NFL player Terrell Owens have put up a combined $125,000 reward for information that could help authorities identify and convict anyone responsible for Wells’ death.
Sharpton also criticized local law enforcement for publicly suggesting that no crime had occurred.
“We can’t have someone in law enforcement saying there was no foul play before there was an investigation,” Sharpton said.