Texas Democrat Charged with Race Hoax Against Himself

Original article here

In Texas, a Democratic candidate was arrested and charged with creating fake social media accounts to send himself racist messages.

As Fox News reports, Taral Patel, the Democratic nominee for Commissioner of Fort Bend Precinct 3, was arrested by Texas Rangers and charged with the crimes of Online Impersonation and Misrepresentation of Identity. The arrest marked the culmination of an investigation that started in October of 2023; the probe was launched on the request of incumbent Commissioner Andy Meyers (R-Texas), Patel’s opponent, after it appeared that the comments were coming from supporters of his re-election campaign.

Patel then used screenshots of the various messages as part of his campaign, claiming that they proved a “deep and misguided fear” among supporters of the Republican Party.

“As your Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, I am always open to criticism of my policy positions and stances on issues,” said Patel in a Facebook post in September of 2023. “However, when my Republican opponents supporters’ decide to hurl racist, anti-immigrant, Hinduphobic, or otherwise disgusting insults at my family, faith community, colleagues, and me – that crosses a line.”

Adding to the charges related to impersonation, authorities also said that Patel used an image of an actual Fort Bend resident in one of the fake profiles, and did so without their consent.

Fort Bend County GOP Chairman Bobby Eberle (R-Texas) issued a statement calling Patel’s actions “deeply concerning.”

“Whether Republican or Democrat, such tactics should be unequivocally condemned by all who value integrity and accountability in politics,” said Eberle. “This is not a partisan issue, and the good people of Fort Bend County should be able to trust that when allegations are made, they are sincere.”

“Fort Bend County residents deserve better leadership than someone who will create a fake account and post manufactured racist attacks — attempting to turn neighbor against neighbor — for political gain,” Eberle continued.