Black utility worker accuses Florida couple of threatening him with lynching

Antavis Johnson, a Black utility project manager, says he was verbally assaulted and threatened with lynching while working in a Florida neighborhood. The chilling encounter caught on video has ignited national outrage after going viral.

What happened to Black utility project manager Antavis Johnson?

Johnson, 32, was distributing pamphlets about upcoming infrastructure upgrades when he approached a home near Orlando. In a now deleted TikTok video,  Johnson described the harrowing events. According to Johnson, the woman who answered summoned her husband, who reportedly began hurling racial slurs and violently demanded Johnson leave the property.

“Before I could even get off the porch, he was screaming the N-word, saying ‘Get out of this neighborhood!’” Johnson said in a video documenting the incident. The man, identified by media reports, reportedly threatened to “hang” Johnson, prompting calls for criminal charges.

Video footage of the reported assault

Johnson’s cellphone footage shows a disturbing stream of hate-filled language. The video has gone viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of views. Despite the graphic nature of the threats, police told Johnson no crime had been committed.

You can watch the video here on YouTube.

Antavis Johnson launches GoFundMe campaign

In the aftermath, Johnson launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support his 4-year-old daughter and cover costs while he recovers from the trauma. He says he’s been unable to return to work due to fear. “I never imagined I would be threatened and attacked with hate just for doing my job,” Johnson said.

For continued updates and to support Johnson’s recovery, visit his GoFundMe page.