Let’s talk about a shocking incident that recently made headlines. A Texas political candidate, Taral Patel, has been arrested on charges of sending fake hate messages to himself on social media.
Patel, the Democratic candidate for Fort Bend Precinct 3 Commissioner, now faces charges of Online Impersonation and Misrepresentation of Identity. This bizarre turn of events has left many in the community stunned.
Authorities allege that Patel spent months sending a stream of racist and derogatory comments to himself, pretending to be a supporter of the incumbent Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers. This all started unraveling when Meyers asked the authorities to investigate the vitriolic comments made towards Patel. The investigation, launched in October 2023, led to Patel’s arrest.
Patel had previously posted a collage of hateful comments on Facebook, claiming they were sent by Meyers’ supporters. He portrayed these messages as a reflection of a “deep and misguided fear” among the Republican Party. In his September 2023 post, Patel stated, “As your Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, I am always open to criticism of my policy positions and stances on issues. 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.”
Hate Hoax: A former Biden White House appointee and Democrat candidate for a county commissioner position in Texas was arrested and charged after an investigation found he allegedly created fake Facebook accounts to send himself racist, hateful messages. Taral Patel @TaralVPatel… pic.twitter.com/RlvI80SKQO
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) June 17, 2024
But now, law enforcement reports that Patel used an image of a real Fort Bend resident as his profile picture without the individual’s consent, adding another layer of deception to this scandal.
Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Bobby Eberle responded to Patel’s arrest, calling the situation “deeply concerning.” Eberle emphasized, “Whether Republican or Democrat, such tactics should be unequivocally condemned by all who value integrity and accountability in politics. 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.” He further added, “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.”
NEW: Taral Patel (D), candidate for commissioner in Fort Bend County, TX and former Biden appointee was arrested and charged for faking his own racist hate mail. He allegedly created fake accounts and would leave “racist” comments on his own posts.
Once again, the demand for… pic.twitter.com/oJvrGfxk0a
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 17, 2024
Interestingly, this incident brings to mind the case of disgraced actor Jussie Smollett. Just recently, an appeals court upheld Smollett’s convictions related to a 2019 hate crime hoax. Smollett, known for his role in “Empire,” was convicted in 2021 of five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He had reported a homophobic and racist attack, which later turned out to be a staged event orchestrated by Smollett himself.
Smollett’s legal team has continuously fought the convictions, claiming he was a victim of a racist justice system. Despite their efforts, the Illinois Appeal Court upheld his convictions in a 2-1 decision. Special prosecutor Dan Webb called the ruling “a resounding and profound victory.”
