Three Family Members Arrested Over Viral Racist Incident in Virginia City

Three family members were arrested following a viral TikTok video showing a “hateful and racist” altercation in Virginia City, Nevada. The incident occurred during the Hot August Nights kickoff event on August 2, 2024, just south of Reno.

Gary Miller, Janis Miller, and Tiffany Miller were identified and arrested on Wednesday, August 7, by the Storey County Sheriff’s Office. Gary Miller faces a gross misdemeanor charge for breach of peace, while Janis Miller was charged with misdemeanor battery. Tiffany Miller was charged with a misdemeanor for obstructing and delaying a peace officer. All three were booked at the Storey County Detention Center and later posted bail.

The altercation was filmed by Ricky Johnson, who was gathering signatures for a petition to cap attorney fees in Nevada. Johnson claimed that Gary Miller made a racially charged threat, saying there was a “hanging tree” for people like him. The video, which amassed over a million views before being removed, showed Miller flashing two middle fingers at the camera while Johnson confronted him.

The incident has been widely condemned by Virginia City, Hot August Nights, and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. The Virginia City Tourism Commission issued a statement calling the behavior “abhorrent and inexcusable.” Additionally, Hot August Nights permanently banned the three individuals from all future events.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford praised the Storey County Sheriff’s Office for the arrests, stating that the public outcry over the incident had been heard and that steps were being taken to hold the individuals accountable for their actions.

The Storey County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is also addressing threatening and harassing phone calls received by the community in the wake of the altercation. Sheriff Mike Cullen assured that each case will be evaluated individually for further action.