A man captured in a viral video hurling racist slurs at a woman inside a Walmart in Rostraver Township, Pennsylvania, is now the focus of an ongoing criminal investigation, authorities said.
Pennsylvania State Police said its Criminal Investigation Unit has taken over the case after it was initially handled by the Rostraver Township Police Department.
According to CBS News, the video shows a man holding a cellphone as he approaches the woman while she shops, pressing her with personal questions about her finances. The footage includes the man repeatedly using racist slurs, the outlet reported.
The woman reported the incident to law enforcement and was later identified as Augusta Goll. CBS News reported that Goll is an immigrant from Liberia who runs a grocery store in Charleroi.
Despite what happened, Goll told KDKA she was willing to move forward after the man later came to her store and left an apology note.
“It’s not something I will forget, but I believe in forgiveness,” she said, adding, “He needs help.”
In a news release Monday, Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the incident involved a video recorded at the Walmart in Rostraver Township that was posted to Facebook. Troopers said the investigation “remains very active,” with multiple interviews underway and additional evidence being gathered.
Authorities also said they are working alongside local and federal partners. State police said they are coordinating with the Rostraver Township Police Department, the FBI, and personnel from local district attorney’s offices.
Officials asked anyone with additional information about the individual involved to contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Belle Vernon. “Additional information will be released as it becomes publicly available through our official channels,” the news release said.
