Federal officials stated that a Georgia man was arrested for making racially motivated threats and shooting at his neighbor, a Black man, and for brandishing and using a firearm.
According to court documents, Mark Wheeler, 73, shot a.22 caliber revolver toward the victim and the victim’s dwelling while yelling racial slurs.
If convicted, Wheeler faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for both the civil rights and firearm charges. Wheeler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Peach and Sonja Profit for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.