Scottsbluff police are investigating their first ‘Zoom bomb’ crime. Last Monday, individuals interrupted a Scottsbluff school board virtual meeting with racial slurs while a student was being recognized for an award.
In a letter to the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, board vice president Ruth Kozal called the culprits “ignorant cowards” who were not hiding their intolerance and racism.
Scottsbluff Police Chief Kevin Spencer said they’re making the investigation their top priority but is concerned that student Josie Amoo’s recognition for earning the Congressional Gold Medal will be overlooked.
“Not very many young people get an award such as she has, so I don't want this investigation or anything that's been done to ever overshadow that," Spencer said. "But I do think because of the nature of it, we need to get to the bottom of this, and we need to do it sooner rather than later.”
Police are conducting interviews and gathering digital data from Zoom for analysis. Spencer said the crime could result in a charge of disorderly conduct but could also become a federal crime. Prosecutors will make the decision after reviewing the evidence.
The chief requests anyone who has more information on the case to reach out to the police department.