There is mention of slaves in the third stanza of the anthem: “No refuge could save the hireling and slave”.
So is the anthem racist? Absolutely not. From Wikipedia, an explanation:
“The reference to slaves is about the use, and in some sense the manipulation, of black Americans to fight for the British, with the promise of freedom. The American forces included African-Americans as well as whites. The term ‘freemen,’ whose heroism is celebrated in the fourth stanza, would have encompassed both.”
But of course no liberal/anarchist/antifa goon would bother with that explanation. Fascist violence is their only response to any “trigger”.
Given the history of slavery in the US, how many people are going to be OK with singing a verse denigrating slaves, no matter what the convoluted explanation? That’s why it’s never sung. But it’s not necessary to get rid of the entire song.
Give me a break!
I’m willing to bet my next non-gov’t pension check that the Alpha Hotel that desecrated the statue had no idea that our National Anthem has more than one stanza.