The killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2nd set off a chain of events that has brought up major worries about public safety and racial tensions in the community. The arrest of Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old student from a competing high school, on murder charges made the situation even more intense.
As reported by Fox, after his first arrest and a judge knocking his bond from $1,000,000 to $250,000. However, this decision led to a surge of threats and harassment aimed at both the Anthony and Metcalf families.
The Anthony family, supported by the Dallas-based advocacy group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), reported a sharp rise in threats and intimidation after Anthony’s release. These incidents included disturbing mail, such as a copy of Metcalf’s obituary, as well as people repeatedly hanging around outside their home, taking pictures, ordering fake food deliveries, and even what police called “swatting” calls—fake emergency reports meant to send police to their home.
Karmelo Anthony has been moved to an undisclosed location for his safety
The Metcalf family also received swatting calls, adding to the already tense and painful situation. Things got worse when a group called “Protect White Americans” held a rally at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. The rally claimed to support justice for Metcalf but also called for Anthony to be sent back to jail immediately. The event, which was attended by people who reportedly did not live in Frisco, led to two arrests.
One arrest was connected to an alleged pepper-spraying incident during a clash between rally attendees and counter-protesters. Adding to the concerns, Jake Lang, a person previously charged in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot, reportedly entered Kuykendall Stadium without permission and filmed a video showing what he claimed were Metcalf’s bloodstains on the stadium floor.
The video was posted online before Lang was charged with trespassing by Frisco ISD. The growing security risks and constant harassment led the court to approve moving Karmelo Anthony to a secret location to protect him and his family. Collin County officials confirmed the move but did not give further details, saying the case is sensitive and safety remains a concern.
Anthony’s lawyer also chose not to comment on the relocation. NGAN spoke out about their worries for the Anthony family’s safety, saying no family should face such harassment for using their legal rights.
State Representative Jared Patterson shared his thoughts on the rally on X, pointing out how few people actually attended and commending the Frisco Police Department for managing the event and working to stop false information and racial division. He said he was proud of the Frisco community for resisting what he called attempts to use the tragedy to create division.
Published: Apr 22, 2025 12:40 pm