UPDATE: Video of racist tirade at Calgary Superstore results in charges
Calgary police say they are interviewing a man seen in a video showing a racist rant at a Calgary Superstore – but it’s unknown if any charges will be laid.
The incident unfolded at the Superstore in the community of Sunridge on Saturday afternoon and was captured on cellphone video by fellow shopper Steve Lemmon.
Lemmon said it started after a clerk scanned an item twice. The error appeared to anger a customer, who can be seen in the video yelling racial insults at the cashier.
When another man in line attempts to intervene, the video shows the angry customer shove the Good Samaritan.
He can be heard saying “bomb-making motherf*****.”
Police told Global News on Tuesday that the man at the centre of the shocking video had contacted them the day before.
Investigators will meet with the man on Tuesday to hear his side of the story.
They said they haven’t been able to speak with the Good Samaritan who was shoved when he tried to intervene – and are asking him to come forward.
Man who made video of racist rant receives online threats
Meanwhile, the man who recorded the video says he has been receiving threats online.
“Mainly over Twitter, a couple on Facebook,” Lemmon said. “I’ve had people go as far as to say it would be in my best interest not to talk to any more news people and to delete the video and go forth with my business.”
“[I’ve] had some threats of physical violence. Some name calling.”
In a statement emailed to Global News, Loblaw, the company that owns Superstore, said the incident that took place on Saturday “was disgusting” and “has no place” in one of its stores.
“We are co-operating with the police investigation and have offered colleagues additional resources and support where required.”