Rev. Al Sharpton stands with the family of Nolan Wells and Attorney Ben Crump
Rev. Al Sharpton stands with the Wells family and Attorney Ben Crump.
StatementNew York, NY · August 21, 2026

Rev. Al Sharpton Responds to Potential Litigation Against Him in the Nolan Wells Case

Statement from Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder & President, National Action Network

I welcome the lawsuit and will have my attorneys be in touch with theirs to arrange for them to serve me so we can get in court.

I convened a prayer vigil on what would have been Nolan's 19th birthday and three of the young men joined the Zoom, and I asked them to come forward. While I did not know their names, so I did not defame them, we have a right and a duty to raise questions that were raised to me by Nolan's parents.

From the onset of this case, I publicly stated that I welcomed any litigation that would legally require every person that was with Nolan Wells before his death to be forced to answer questions under oath. Litigation requires depositions, discovery and a complete examination of the facts.

I have been involved in the case for one sole reason: to help Nolan's parents Christine and Elmore find the truth in what happened to their beloved son through a transparent and accountable investigation. If a lawsuit is a catalyst for the truth, then it is welcomed and it will not deter NAN or me from continuing to stand with the family in their pursuit of justice.

Rev. Al Sharpton
Founder & President, National Action Network
Media Contact Rachel Noerdlinger — rnoerdlinger@ActumLLC.com · NANMedia@ActumLLC.com

About National Action Network (NAN)

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender. For more information, visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

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