I'm a cynic. I doubt they will follow up since the initial report will be used to arrive at the conclusion most people seem to want anyways. If the researchers do follow up and find a non-racist cause it will be ignored.
I suspect he got the attention of the FBI by being publicly vocal about his hatred of police but was arrested for having a gun when he was prohibited because of his conviction for domestic assault.
I agree you will almost never debate your opponent into a different point of view but you can change the beliefs of the audience sometimes.
For instance I don't mind if you change your opinion on the merit of debating creationists but I'm hoping to sway anyone else that reads this to my point of view.
a) The debate is happening whether Bill Nye takes part or not.
b) If proponents of proposition A are unwilling to debate proponents of proposition B then proponents of A will be look like they don't believe in their proposition. You need to be willing to defend your beliefs.
c) Debating someone does not legitimize their proposition. I believe you are legitimizing their proposition if you refuse to debate them.