FBI Launches Probe Into Al Sharpton, Others Over Threats In Mississippi Case

The FBI is investigating threats directed at public officials, potential witnesses and family members connected to the mysterious death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells.

Wells, 18, disappeared July 4 after traveling with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. After a two-day search, a National Park Service ranger discovered his body on July 6.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell confirmed that federal authorities are examining threats made against people involved in the continuing investigation.

“I’m sure state law enforcement and the FBI is going to be very interested in investigating, so, you know, when you make those types of threats against public officials, against possible witnesses, and against, the, you know, the folks that are involved in this investigation and the family, then you are also, committing a criminal act, and that’s going to be taken very, very seriously,” Tindell said.

Tindell said “false information” circulating online has fueled public anger and generated threatening calls to his office. Wells’ family has reportedly received threatening messages as well.

“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity,” Tindell said.

“They’ve offered a hand, in this case, to do anything that that’s needed from their end,” he added.

“But they’re also taking a serious look, at some of these threats that have come across, to public officials, to witnesses to the family, to anybody involved in this case,” he continued.

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves placed much of the blame for the escalating rhetoric on civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and activist Al Sharpton, who have publicly questioned the handling of Wells’ death and demanded greater transparency.

“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats,” Reeves told Fox News Digital.

“They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers,” Reeves added.

There is no public evidence that Crump or Sharpton personally made or directed any threats. Reeves’ accusation centers on his belief that their public statements intensified suspicions and anger surrounding the case.

Crump represents Wells’ family, while Sharpton officiated at the teenager’s funeral and contributed to a reward for information about his death. The family has challenged suggestions that Wells simply separated from his friends and drowned, while official and independent autopsy findings remain under review.

“Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation,” Reeves said.

“I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also drawing a hard line,” he added.

Tindell separately confirmed that threats against state employees and potential witnesses are being actively investigated.

“I can confirm that we have had threats made against DPS employees and those threats are being actively investigated,” he said.

“Some potential witnesses and their families have also received threats and those are being investigated as well,” he said.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch warned that anyone attempting to threaten or intimidate law enforcement officials could face serious consequences.

“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case,” she said.

“During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process,” Fitch added.

“Efforts to intimidate, disrupt, or interfere with the work of our law enforcement and prosecutors and threats to their well-being will be taken seriously and we will hold those who make them accountable,” she continued.

“A bright young life has been lost and we extend our prayers to his family,” Fitch said.

The circumstances surrounding Wells’ death remain under investigation, and the case is expected to be presented to a Mississippi grand jury. Authorities have urged the public to allow investigators to examine the evidence without threatening witnesses or spreading unverified claims.

The demand for answers is understandable. An 18-year-old died under disputed circumstances, and his grieving family deserves a complete, impartial investigation.

But justice will not be served through online intimidation, political pressure or threats against witnesses. It will be served by preserving evidence, protecting those involved and following the facts wherever they lead.