Texas Democrat arrested for sending racist hate message to himself

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

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A Texas political candidate has been arrested for sending false hate messages on social media.

Taral Patel, the Democratic candidate for Fort Bend Precinct 3 commissioner, has been arrested by the Texas Rangers and is charged with online identity theft and false representation of identity.

Authorities say Patel spent months sending a stream of racist and derogatory comments to himself, posing as a supporter of outgoing Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers.

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Taral Patel is pictured in the photo above. (Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office)

According to Patel's arrest record, the investigation was launched in October 2023 after Meyers asked authorities to determine who was responsible for the vitriolic comment made to Patel.

Patel previously posted a collage of hateful comments apparently sent by Meyers supporters, saying the messages represented a “deep and misguided fear” within the Republican Party.

“As a Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, I am always open to criticism of my policy positions and stances on issues,” Patel said in the September 2023 Facebook post. “However, when supporters of my Republican opponents decide to hurl racist, anti-immigration, Hinduphobic, or otherwise disgusting slurs at my family, my faith community, my colleagues, and myself, that crosses a line.”

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Fort Bend County, WA Commissioner “Andy” Meyers, Precinct 3, participates in the Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in Richmond. (Brett Comer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Law enforcement reported that Patel used the image of a real Fort Bend resident as his profile picture without the individual's consent.

Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Bobby Eberle released a statement reacting to Patel's arrest, calling the situation “deeply concerning.”

“Whether Republican or Democratic, such tactics should be unequivocally condemned by all who value integrity and accountability in politics,” Eberle said. “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 truthful.”

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He concluded: “Fort Bend County residents deserve better leadership than someone who will create a fake account and post fabricated racist attacks – attempting to turn neighbor against neighbor – for political purposes. »