Abbott to donate $1K contribution from white supremacist

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is donating to charity a $1,000 campaign contribution from the leader of a white supremacist group cited by Charleston church murder suspect Dylann Roof.

Abbott spokesman Matt Hirsch said Monday the money will be given to the Salvation Army. During his campaign for governor, Abbott received two $500 donations from Earl Holt, who is the leader of the Council of Conservative Citizens.

Roof is accused of killing nine blacks at a South Carolina church last week. An online manifesto purportedly written by Roof said he learned about “brutal black on white murders” from Holt’s group.

Holt has donated to numerous GOP candidates on the national and state level. That includes Sen. Ted Cruz, who has said he will return a $8,500 donation.