FBI Joins Investigation Into Alleged ‘Free Karmelo’ Assault In Texas

The FBI has joined the investigation into the alleged assault of a Texas woman after local authorities said threatening online activity connected to the case prompted federal involvement.

The Longview Police Department announced Friday that federal agents are now assisting as investigators continue examining an attack allegedly carried out by a group accused of chanting “Free Karmelo” during the incident.

Longview Police Department Public Information Officer LaDarian Brown said the FBI became involved because authorities are reviewing online threats and inflammatory rhetoric surrounding the case.

“We are aware of social media conversations concerning retaliation, division and attacks between members of our community,” Brown said during a news conference.

“Those statements are being reviewed seriously.”

Brown said investigators are monitoring the situation closely, though officials do not currently believe there is an immediate danger to the broader public.

“There is no known threat to the public at this time,” he said.

Fox News Digital reported that it contacted the FBI for comment regarding the bureau’s role in the investigation.

Three women have been charged in connection with the alleged assault.

Police identified the suspects as 21-year-old Ciarrianne Fuller and 21-year-old Alana Mumphrey, both of Longview, along with 21-year-old Dejae Brown of Pittsburg, Texas.

Each has been charged with misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury.

According to jail records, Fuller was arrested June 23 and booked into the Gregg County Jail.

Her bond was set at $20,000, and she was released the following day.

Police said Brown and Mumphrey surrendered to authorities Thursday.

Both were booked into the Gregg County Jail on the same misdemeanor assault charge, received $20,000 bonds, and were released later that day.

According to investigators, the victim told police the group made a disturbing statement before the alleged assault began.

The victim reported that members of the group said they were “going to target the smallest white girl they could find.”

Authorities have not released additional details about the victim’s injuries or whether more arrests are expected.

Investigators believe the alleged attack was connected to support for Karmelo Anthony, whose murder conviction has become the subject of demonstrations and online activism.

Anthony was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, last year.

The case drew national attention and sparked competing public campaigns over Anthony’s guilt, the trial, and the jury’s verdict.

Supporters have continued organizing demonstrations and social media campaigns after the conviction.

Police have not alleged that Anthony himself had any involvement in the Longview assault.

Instead, investigators are examining whether the attack was motivated by individuals expressing support for him.

The FBI’s involvement suggests authorities are taking the online threats surrounding the case seriously, especially as heated social media exchanges continue to fuel tension.

Local officials urged residents not to escalate the situation online while police and federal investigators continue gathering evidence.

The criminal case against the three women remains pending, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court, Breitbart News reported.

For conservatives, the case raises troubling questions about political activism, online radicalization, and whether inflammatory narratives are spilling into real-world intimidation.

Peaceful protest is protected in America.

Targeted violence is not.

If investigators determine that the alleged assault was motivated by race, retaliation, or political agitation, the public deserves full transparency and accountability.

As the case moves forward, Longview police say they will continue working with federal authorities to determine whether any additional crimes involving threats, intimidation, or coordination occurred before or after the alleged attack.