Fact-Check: Racial Targeting of Black Truck Driver in Clyde, North Carolina
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, a Black truck driver delivering mulch to a dump site in Clyde, North Carolina, reported a series of alarming incidents involving a group of white men, including the son of the dump site owner. According to a report by Our Black Union, the driver was accused of theft by the owner's son, which escalated into a confrontation where he was allegedly threatened and physically intimidated. The driver claimed that during the incident, his truck was tipped over, and he was blocked in by bulldozers. Furthermore, a part-time sheriff's deputy was involved, raising questions about the legitimacy of his actions during the confrontation.
The driver shared his experience on social media, stating that the group brandished weapons and threatened him and his dog. Video footage from the incident, which has since gone viral, shows the driver being ordered back into his truck while being surrounded by the group, as well as the distressing moment when a door was slammed on his dog (Atlanta Black Star). The incident has sparked significant public outrage and discussions about racial intimidation and violence against people of color in the workplace.
Analysis
The claim that the driver was racially targeted and intimidated is supported by multiple sources, including eyewitness accounts and video evidence. The report from 828 News Now corroborates the driver's assertion that he was harassed by a group of men, including the owner's son, who accused him of theft. The involvement of a part-time sheriff's deputy, identified as Michael Buckner, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it raises questions about whether he was acting in an official capacity or as a private individual (Our Black Union).
However, the claim that the truck was tipped over and that the driver was physically assaulted is less clear. While the driver asserts that his truck was flipped and that he was physically threatened, the available video footage primarily shows verbal confrontations and the blocking of his vehicle with bulldozers (Inquisitr). The lack of comprehensive evidence regarding physical assault means that while intimidation and threats are evident, the specifics of the truck being tipped over may not be fully substantiated.
The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. Reports from local news outlets like 828 News Now and Our Black Union provide direct accounts of the incident, while social media posts from the driver offer personal testimony but may lack the objectivity of traditional news reporting. The viral nature of the incident has also led to a wide range of public reactions, which can influence perceptions of the event.
Conclusion
The claim that a Black truck driver was racially targeted, intimidated, and threatened during an incident in Clyde, North Carolina, is Partially True. The evidence supports the assertion that the driver faced significant intimidation and harassment from a group of white men, including a part-time sheriff's deputy. However, the specifics regarding the truck being tipped over and the nature of the physical threats require further verification, as the available footage primarily captures verbal confrontations. The incident highlights ongoing issues of racial tension and intimidation in the workplace, particularly in environments where power dynamics are at play.
Sources
- CLYDE, N.C.: Black Truck Driver Attacked At TBD Dump Site
- Driver says he was attacked, truck flipped at private Clyde landfill
- Haywood County Investigating Deputy After Viral Confrontation
- ‘Coming to Get Rid of You!’: Black Trucker Ambushed and Threatened
- Trucker Incident in Clyde, Nc - YouTube
- 'Stay in Your Truck Before Something Bad Happens'—Video Shows Confrontation
