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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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Nevada officials responded to a viral TikTok that alleged "racist" treatment at a popular Virginia City event.
The viral video was filmed outside the Firehouse Saloon, a bar and restaurant, on Friday during an event called "Hot August Nights." It currently has over 1 million views.
The man recording the video claimed a man at the event told him there was a "hanging tree" down the street "to hang people like me." He later alleged that the man also called him a racial slur.
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The two got into a verbal altercation, with several others appearing to side with the man who allegedly made "racist" comments.
A woman then exited Firehouse Saloon and told the man filming to "get off the property." He repeatedly asked the woman to not touch him. She told him that she loves him and asked him to "calm down."
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The Storey County Sheriff's Office said they received "concerning" reports about the incident in a statement posted to Facebook.
"We at the sheriff's office do not condone or support racism, inequality, or hate speech," the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said the incident is under investigation and they are treating it "seriously."
"Integrity is our standard," the sheriff's office said. "We are proud of our profession and will conduct ourselves in a manner that merits the respect of all people. We will demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all our interactions. We must have the courage to stand up for our beliefs and do what is right. Our actions will instill public trust and a sense and feeling of protection and safety of each individual person of Storey County, resident and visitor alike."
Firehouse Saloon stated that the individuals in the video "are absolutely [100%] NOT US" in a Facebook post, 2 News Nevada reported. The restaurant's Facebook page appears to have since been deleted.
Hot August Nights said they identified the individuals in the video and their Hot August Nights registrations were revoked.
"We want to clarify that there were no Hot August Nights representatives, volunteers, or staff present in the video or involved in the situation. The individuals wearing Hot August Nights badges are event participants," the organization wrote in a Facebook post.
The organization said they are continuing to evaluate its Virginia City venue.
"We are committed to ensuring integrity and safety at all our events and will take action to remove individuals who diminish or harm others," the organization said.
Hot August Nights is an annual event held in Reno and Virginia City that raises money for charity. It is known for featuring classic cars.
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