Let's just call this what it was.

It's because it was a attempted lynching.

These Redneck Bubbas were likely drinking (pontoon boat) and got their blood up bashing women (because what else do men have to talk about and what else are women for) and then this "uppity" black man comes along telling them what to do.

Clearly, since they've been "emasculated", that 'boy' needed to be taught a lesson.

And check the time line. See what it lines up with on the political stage?

Things fell out as they will.

Folks will resist and say it was just a fight that got out of hand. And in fairness, there's an argument to be made that they never intended to kill him so it's not the same.

My opinion is that is immaterial. The minute they set out to "assert their dominance" as a gang of men over an individual over a perceived sleight, they're responsible for whereever it leads. And likely, just as with happens with rape gangs, these men were following the dictates of a charismatic leader and would have done anything he directed.

It's the same dynamic. Not all lynchings are planned. Some of them come about via the same psychological vehicle as rape gangs, in the moment.

I got in trouble at work for calling this what it was at work, even though early on enough of the signs were already being published for that to be considered. Some of those folks are avoiding me now. 🙄