Assault at Sam's Club Follows Alleged Racial Slur

Richland County deputies investigating incident at local store

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Richland County Sheriff's Department is investigating an assault that occurred at a Sam's Club in Columbia, South Carolina after a woman allegedly used a racial slur towards another customer, leading to an argument and physical altercation.

Why it matters

Incidents of racial discrimination and violence remain an ongoing concern in many communities, highlighting the need for greater understanding, dialogue, and action to address these persistent societal issues.

The details

According to the sheriff's department, deputies were called to the Sam's Club on Fashion Dr. after a report of an assault. The victim claimed that while waiting in line, a woman used a racial slur towards her, sparking an argument. The victim said she tried to take a photo of the woman, who then punched her in the face, leading to a physical fight. The suspect left the scene before law enforcement arrived, and the investigation is ongoing.

  • The incident occurred on February 15, 2026.

The players

Richland County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the assault incident at Sam's Club.

Victim

The customer who was allegedly assaulted after confronting another customer for using a racial slur.

Suspect

The customer who allegedly used a racial slur and then assaulted the victim.

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What’s next

The Richland County Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation into the incident and seeking to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of promoting respect, tolerance, and non-violence in public spaces, as well as the need for swift and impartial law enforcement response to address acts of discrimination and assault.