No Charges Filed Against Loudoun County Anti-Racist Group

LEESBURG, VA — An investigation into a group of Loudoun County parents accused of creating a “hit list” that targeted those who spoke out against diversity programs in county schools has ended with no charges filed, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday.

The private social media group, dubbed “The Anti-Racist Parents Of Loudoun County,” was under investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. A parallel investigation had also been launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation began after the agencies received complaints alleging group members were planning “organized criminal activity” to intimidate other parents.

The group was originally created by parents hoping to counter what they called “false claims” about diversity and equity programs implemented in Loudoun County schools, according to an NBC News report.

The “hit list” was created to keep track of opponents in an effort to confront and counter their claims, NBC News reported. Members of the group claimed the list was for “oppositional research” purposes, not for intimidation.

Still, the list was perceived as a threat and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office was contacted.

Throughout the investigation, multiple search warrants were issued to identify those posting on the group’s social media page. Authorities found at least one post asking for legal names, social media accounts and other information on those who opposed the group. While some names were provided by group members, no other personal information was shared, authorities said in a news release.

Authorities also contacted and interviewed several people whose names appeared on the “hit list.”

Based on information obtained during the interviews and throughout the search, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office decided to not pursue criminal charges against any member of The Anti-Racist Parents Of Loudoun County group, the release said.