FBI asked to investigate attack on white family in akron

Also Rev Al Sharpton made his feelings known which means the chances of this becoming a media circus just went thru the roof.

The FBI has been asked to join Akron police in investigating the attack on a white family by a group of black teens near Firestone Park. In a letter to the FBI dated today, Mayor Don Plusquellic asks the federal agency's local office to help determine whether any civil-rights violations or hate crimes occurred during the attack last month on Marty Marshall and his family. The investigation is being supported by civil-rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton. ''Accounts from the victim have indicated his assailants prefaced the attack with statements that could indicate a racial motivation to the crime,'' Plusquellic wrote in his letter. ''Our priority is the same as it is with every crime: to find justice for the victims. But, it is also important that we carefully examine the motivation behind this attack and address that if necessary.'' Marshall, 39, spent five days in Akron General Medical Center after a group of black teens attacked him, his wife, two children and two adult male friends. Akron police have confirmed from witnesses that the attack by 30 to 50 teens was unprovoked and that no words were exchanged before the attack. The victims say the group shouted, ''This is our world,'' during the assault. Marshall says he also heard chants of, ''This is a black world.'' The assault, in which Marshall suffered extensive head injuries from repeated kicks and punches to his skull, has not yet been ruled a hate crime by Akron police.