Full Breakdown
FBI Joins Investigation of Longview Assault Linked to ‘Free Karmelo’ Chant
6/27/2026, 9:25:02 AM
Assault in Longview, Texas: Core Facts
On the weekend of June 20-22, 2026, a woman was attacked outside Whiskey J’s nightclub in Longview, Texas, after leaving a bar. Police say three 21-year-old women—Ciarrianne Fuller of Longview, Alana Mumphrey of Longview, and Dejae Brown of Pittsburg—have been charged with misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury. Fuller was taken into custody on June 23, booked with a $20,000 bond and released the next day; Brown and Mumphrey turned themselves in on Thursday, were similarly booked and released. The victim sustained a black eye, head staples and significant bleeding. The FBI was added to the investigation because of online threats tied to the incident.
Context: Karmelo Anthony Conviction and ‘Free Karmelo’ Campaign
The assault is alleged to be motivated by support for Karmelo Anthony, convicted in 2025 of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high-school track meet in Frisco, Texas, and sentenced to 35 years. The verdict sparked a “Free Karmelo” movement that challenges the jury’s decision.
Official Statements & Responses
Longview Police public information officer LaDarian Brown said the department is reviewing social-media conversations about retaliation, division and attacks and sees no current public threat. The victim’s father told Fox News Digital it is important for the public to know what happened.
Criticism & Opposition
The victim’s social-media post asserted the “Free Karmelo” case “has nothing to do with her,” describing the assault as unprovoked and unrelated to Anthony’s conviction. This challenges the narrative that the attack was directly motivated by the campaign.
On-the-Ground Account
The victim said a group of strangers approached her and a friend while walking back to their car, chanting “Free Karmelo” and saying they were “going to target the smallest white girl they could find.” She reported she did not know the assailants before the incident.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media accounts differ on how many suspects were in custody at the time of reporting; one source notes only Fuller had been arrested, while another states all three women have been charged and booked. The FBI has not provided comment, and the scope of any ongoing online threats remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are aware of social media conversations concerning retaliation, division and attacks between members of our community. Those statements are being reviewed seriously,” — LaDarian Brown, Longview Police Department Public Information Officer
- “they [were] going to target the smallest white girl they could find.” — Victim (as reported to investigators)
- “While getting jumped they [were] yelling out 'Free Karmelo' — saying they [were] going to target the smallest white girl they could find.” — Victim (social-media post)
- “know what happened,” — Victim’s father (as reported to Fox News Digital)
What’s Next
The FBI will continue monitoring online activity linked to the case while the Longview Police Department moves forward with prosecution of the three suspects. In parallel, Karmelo Anthony’s appeal proceeds, with a new legal team preparing to challenge his conviction.
