Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves blames Ben Crump and Al Sharpton for threats, stoking division in Nolan Wells case
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The Mississippi governor made the remarks as federal authorities investigate threats tied to the high-profile death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves is blaming Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton for what he says is growing hostility surrounding the investigation into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. His comments come as federal authorities investigate threats linked to the high-profile case.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Tate Reeves alleged that Crump and Sharpton are responsible for increasing tensions as public attention surrounding Wells’ death continues to grow.
“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats,” Reeves said. “They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see.”
The governor’s remarks followed comments from Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, who confirmed the FBI is investigating threats directed at public officials, possible witnesses, people who were with Wells before he disappeared, and their families.
In an interview on The Sitdown with Russ Latino, Tindell said federal agents are assisting state investigators with both the death investigation and reports of intimidation connected to the case.
“When you make those types of threats against public officials, against possible witnesses, and against the folks that are involved in this investigation and the family, then you are also committing a criminal act,” Tindell said. Tindell said intense public interest in the case has led to an increase in threatening phone calls and messages. He added that Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has also been the target of threats.
The Mississippi governor’s criticism came one day after Crump announced preliminary findings from the Wells family’s independent autopsy. The examination was conducted by board-certified forensic pathologist Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. and raised new questions about the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.
Authorities have not publicly linked Crump or Sharpton to any threats, and neither had publicly responded to Reeves’ comments at the time of publication. The official investigation into Wells’ death remains ongoing.