FBI rules out hate crime after noose found in Wallace's garage

The FBI has concluded that a noose found in the garage of NASCAR Cup driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega was not a hate crime, following an investigation.

The pull down rope was discovered in Wallace’s garage stall at the Talladega circuit on Saturday, prompting NASCAR to launch an investigation into the incident and involve the FBI.

But no charges will be brought after it emerged the rope had been hanging in the garage since October last year.

Wallace, who is the series’ only full-time African-American driver, had brandished the discovery as a “despicable act of racism and hatred”, while NASCAR vowed to “eliminate” racists following the incident.

"On Monday, fifteen FBI special agents conducted numerous interviews regarding the situation at Talladega Superspeedway. After a thorough review of the facts and evidence surrounding this event, we have concluded that no federal crime was committed,” a joint statement from US attorney Jay E Town and FBI special agent Johnnie Sharp Jr read.

"The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week.

"The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019.

"Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week.

"The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws.

"We offer our thanks to NASCAR, Mr. Wallace, and everyone who cooperated with this investigation.”

NASCAR released its own statement on Tuesday, adding: "The FBI has completed its investigation at Talladega Superspeedway and determined that Bubba Wallace was not the target of a hate crime.

"The FBI report concludes, and photographic evidence confirms, that the garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose had been positioned there since as early as last fall.

"This was obviously well before the 43 team's arrival and garage assignment.

"We appreciate the FBI's quick and thorough investigation and are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba.

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who love racing."