After a racial altercation at the Hot August Nights classic car festival in Virginia City on Friday, August 2, the Storey County Sheriff’s Office arrested three people. The incident involving a Black man, Ricky Johnson, and resident Gary Miller has sparked widespread social media outrage and drawn condemnation from local and state officials.
The argument occurred as Johnson was collecting signatures for a ballot measure. When Johnson approached a group of men, including Miller, he asked if they were registered to vote. One of the men said they were, and another added that they were voting for Trump.
Johnson allegedly responded by calling the group “a bunch of racists,” which escalated the situation. Miller then directed Johnson to find the “hanging tree,” down the road.
According to Johnson, Miller, a 74-year-old white man from Minden who owns property in Virginia City, directed a racial slur and a threatening comment referencing a “hanging tree” at him. Johnson began recording the interaction after Miller made the alleged comments, capturing a heated exchange of profanity between both parties.
Janis Miller, 67, reportedly told Johnson to leave her property, and the confrontation moved to C Street. Johnson also claimed she had assaulted him by touching him as she tried to calm him down.
Although the specific “hanging tree” comment and racial slur are not on video, Johnson posted the footage to TikTok on Friday, August 2, igniting public outrage. The Storey County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) launched an investigation, leading to the arrests of Gary Miller, Janis Miller, and their daughter, Tiffany Miller, 45, from Carson Valley.
Gary Miller faces a charge of breach of peace, a gross misdemeanor that includes making threatening comments based on race. Janis Miller faces a misdemeanor battery charge for allegedly pushing Johnson during the altercation, while Tiffany Miller is charged with misdemeanor obstruction or delaying a peace officer.
During an interview with the SCSO, Gary Miller admitted to making the “hanging tree” comment but did not address the alleged racial slur. In a hand-written statement, Miller accused Johnson of trying to “draw a crowd and escalate the situation” and claimed that Johnson later threatened him and his wife with harassing phone calls.
The Hot August Nights (HAN) organizers have banned the Millers from all future events and condemned their behavior. They also stated that they would evaluate the situation to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford praised the arrests, emphasizing the importance of accountability for racist and unlawful actions.
“The public outcry was heard loud and clear, and steps have been taken to hold these individuals accountable for their racist and unlawful actions,” Ford said.
Johnson, working for Texas-based Advanced Micro Targeting Inc., expressed that the experience left him shaken.
The incident prompted a broader investigation by the SCSO for an act of vandalism and several threats against local businesses and residents in connection with the video. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Gary Miller is not facing hate crime charges as a result of the investigation.
The Millers were booked into the Storey County Detention Center and released on bond. It remains unclear if they have secured legal representation, as each declined a public defender. Each could face a maximum penalty of six months in jail if convicted.
Meanwhile, Johnson may have broken a previous agreement with the Houston District Attorney’s office. Johnson allegedly faced charges related to an incident with a 14-year-old child and was barred from using online apps or social media. His use of TikTok may have violated this agreement.
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