Searching Southern Poverty Law Center's website I noticed a symbol for a Neo-Nazi organization on their hate map near Damascus. Searching further, it seems that the head of the National Alliance lives near Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, which is about six miles south of Damascus. It therefore seems that the incident involving the owners of Hey Joe's, may reflect a greater local issue. Check out these links:

https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/...cking-employee

https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-h...ional-alliance

Also I have read in the past of police claiming what appear to be a hate crimes as drug deals gone bad. Check this out:

https://jewishjournal-com.cdn.amppro...fred-wright%2F