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Hate Crimes Case Examples
Below is a selection of representative federal hate crimes case summaries. Each includes a link to a DOJ press release, with additional information.
Montana | February 17, 2023 | Sexual Orientation
Montana Man Convicted for Attacks on Local LGBTQ Community
A Montana man was convicted of hate and firearms crimes for firing an assault rifle at a woman’s home, who identified as lesbian.
According to evidence, the defendant made it his mission to rid the town of Basin, Montana, of its lesbian and gay community. Armed with three rifles and two pistols, he approached the house of a woman that he knew identified as lesbian, and fired several rounds at the property. The woman was home at the time, but was not hit.
After firing at the first victim’s house, the defendant approached other homes of people known locally to be gay or lesbian. He walked past a church that was letting out, and was approached by several people who tried to intervene, including a pastor who was wearing a device to record his sermons. While the device was recording, the defendant admitted to the initial attack and described his intent to rid Basin of LGBTQ people. He then shot several more rounds at people in the vicinity before fleeing when law enforcement arrived.
He was arrested the next day.
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/montana-man-convicted-federal-hate-crimes-and-firearms-charges-shooting-intended-rid
California | February 17, 2023 | Religion
California Man Charged for Allegedly Shooting Two Jewish Men in Los Angeles
A former Riverside, California resident has been charged with two counts of hate crimes for allegedly shooting two Jewish men.
The defendant shot the first victim as they were leaving services at a synagogue. The next day, the defendant shot another victim who was leaving services at a different synagogue in the same Los Angeles neighborhood.
Evidence indicates that the defendant targeted the predominately Jewish neighborhood after searching a popular business-review app for a kosher market in the Pico-Robertson district of Los Angeles.
These are serious allegations. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-charged-federal-hate-crimes-allegedly-shooting-and-wounding-two-victims
Texas | February 8, 2023 | Race, National Origin
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to 2019 Mass Shooting at Walmart in El Paso, Texas
Maryland | February 6, 2023 | Race
Maryland Woman and Florida Man Charged with Conspiring to Destroy Energy Facilities
District of Columbia | February 2, 2023 | Race, Gender
District Man Found Guilty of Hate Crime in Bias-Related Assault
A District man has been found guilty on charges stemming from a hate crime in which he spit in the face of a female neighbor in Southwest Washington.
According to evidence, on July 20, 2020, at approximately 2 p.m., the victim, a Black woman, was walking her service dog and crossing the exit ramp of her apartment complex. The defendant drove his SUV up the exit ramp at a high rate of speed, almost hitting the victim and her dog. After the victim told him to be careful, he began screaming racist and sexist epithets.
The man spit into the victim’s face, and drove away. He was arrested 23 days later after being identified. The man had a history of racist tirades against his Black neighbors.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-man-found-guilty-bias-related-assault-african-american-woman
New Jersey | February 1, 2023 | Religion
Passaic County Man Arrested for Attempt to Firebomb Synagogue
A man in New Jersey allegedly went to a synagogue in the middle of the night and maliciously attempted to damage and destroy it using a firebomb.
Surveillance footage shows the defendant walking up to the Temple Ner Tamid Jewish Congregation in Bloomfield, New Jersey and igniting a wick on the top of a bottle. He then threw the bottle at the front glass doors of the temple and fled on foot.
The defendant has been charged with one count of attempted use of fire to damage and destroy a building used in interstate commerce. He faces a up to 20 years in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/passaic-county-man-arrested-attempt-firebomb-synagogue
South Carolina | February 1, 2023 | Gender Identity
Two Men Charged with Hate Crimes and Obstruction in the Murder of Transgender Woman
Idaho, Oregon, Washington | January 30, 2023 | Race, Ethnicity
Four Men Sentenced for Hate Crime and False Statement Charges After Racially-Motivated Assault
Pennsylvania | January 27, 2023 | Disability
Former Employee of Health Care Facility Sentenced on Hate Crime Charges for Assaults on Residents
Louisiana | January 25, 2023 | Sexual Orientation
Louisiana Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Kidnapping and Attempting to Murder a Gay Man
Florida | January 25, 2023 | Race
Two Florida Men Sentenced for Hate Crime Following Racially-Motivated Assault
Idaho| January 12, 2023 | Sexual Orientation
Idaho Man Indicted for Federal Hate Crime Against LGBTQ Residents of Boise
Washington | December 16, 2022 | Race
Washington Man Sentenced for Making Threatening Phone Calls to Businesses in Four States
Georgia | December 16, 2022 | Race, National Origin
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Racially Motivated Shootings
A Georgia man pleaded guilty to hate crime and firearms violations for shooting into two Clayton County convenience stores and attempting to kill those inside because of their race and ethnicity.
According to the evidence, the defendant first fired his pistol into a Shell gas station convenience store. Minutes later, he fired into a nearby BP gas station convenience store. No one was injured in either shooting. But the defendant admitted that he was targeting Black people and others he thought were Arab, and he hoped to kill them. He also admitted that he believed in white supremacist ideology.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/georgia-man-ties-white-supremacist-organization-pleads-guilty-federal-hate-crime-racially
District of Columbia | December 16, 2022 | Race, National Origin
District Man Pleads Guilty Mid-Trial to Hate Crimes Charges
A District man pleaded guilty today, mid-trial, to charges stemming from two assaults.
According to the plea, the defendant assaulted the first victim on May 15, 2022, at the Dupont Circle Metro Station. During this assault, he targeted the victim, hit the victim with a metal object, and then made derogatory statements about the victim’s ethnicity.
The second assault took place on May 22, 2022, when the defendant targeted another victim inside of a Metro Station, kicked the victim in the back while descending the escalator, followed the victim throughout the station, and assaulted the victim again, all the while making derogatory comments directed at the victim’s race and ethnicity.
When he was arrested, the defendant made a number of racist and xenophobic statements.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-man-pleads-guilty-mid-trial-hate-crimes-charges
Massachusetts | December 15, 2022 | Gender Identity
Texas Man Indicted for Threatening Doctor with the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
A federal grand jury indicted a Texas man for threatening a Boston doctor because the doctor provided care for members of the transgender community.
The government alleges that misinformation spread online about procedures at Boston Children’s Hospital for gender nonconforming children. The defendant called the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center in Boston, and left a threatening voicemail targeting one of the Center’s doctors.
The defendant faces a sentence of up to five years of prison.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/texas-man-indicted-threatening-doctor-affiliated-national-lgbtqia-health-education
Washington | December 14, 2022 | Religion
Washington Man Indicted for Arsons at Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls
Michigan | December 13, 2022 | Race
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crimes for Threats Against Black Lives Matter Supporters
A Michigan man pleaded guilty to two hate crimes for attempting to intimidate people from engaging in lawful speech and protests supporting Black Lives Matter.
According to the evidence, the defendant called nine Starbucks stores in Michigan and told the employees answering his calls to relay racial threats to Starbucks employees wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts. He also threatened to kill Black people, using racial slurs to refer to his targets.
The defendant also pleaded guilty to placing a noose inside the vehicle of two of the victims. He attached a handwritten note to the noose: “An accessory to be worn with your ‘BLM’ t-shirt. Happy protesting!”
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/michigan-man-pleads-guilty-hate-crimes-death-threats-targeting-black-lives-matter-supporters
Missouri | December 13, 2022 | Religion
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Burning Down Islamic Center
A Missouri man pleaded guilty to hate crime and arson violations for burning down the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
According to the plea, on April 24, 2020, which was the first morning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at approximately 4:50 a.m., the defendant set fire to the Islamic Center at 298 Northwest End Boulevard, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Center’s video security system showed him throwing multiple objects through the building’s glass window, causing it to break. He then poured the contents of two gallon-sized containers throughout the foyer and down the hallway. Lighting two fires that immediately spread through the inside of the building.
The Islamic Center suffered severe damage that rendered it unsuitable for use as a religious center. The defendant admitted that he set the fire because of the religious character of the building.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/missouri-man-pleads-guilty-federal-hate-crime-and-arson-charges-burning-down-islamic-center
Mississippi | December 2, 2022 | Race
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime for Cross Burning
Puerto Rico | November 29, 2022 | Gender Identity
Co-conspirator Sentenced in Hate Crime Against a Transgender Woman
Hawaii | November 22, 2022 | Race
Two Maui Men Sentenced in Racially-Motivated Attack
Two Hawaiian men were sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for their racially motivated attacks on a white man who was attempting to move into their neighborhood.
At trial, evidence showed the victim was harassed and threatened by various neighbors. On February 13, 2014, while unpacking in his new home, the defendants stormed onto his property and demanded that he pack his things and leave. When the victim declined, he threatened and hit in the head with a shovel. Later, as the victim began packing up his possessions to leave, the defendants attacked him a second time.
During the second attack, the victim was hit in the head again, concussing him and knocking him unconscious. When he came to, the attackers were kicking him in the side—kicks that broke two of his ribs. During the second attack, one of the defendants said, “no white man is ever going to live here.”
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/two-maui-men-sentenced-racially-motivated-attack-white-man
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-maui-men-convicted-hate-crimes-racially-motivated-attack-white-man
Florida | November 7, 2022 | Race
Florida Man Sentenced for Racially-Motivated Hate Crime
Ohio | November 3, 2022 | Race
Ohio Man Charged with Hate Crime for Assaulting Asian Student
A Cincinnati man has been charged with a federal hate crime for physically assaulting a student.
According to evidence, on August 17, 2021, the defendant attacked an Asian American student on Calhoun Street at the University of Cincinnati. He allegedly made racist comments, including, “Go back to your country…You brought the kung flu here…You’re going to die for bringing it.” After making the threats, the defendant allegedly punched the victim causing multiple injuries, including a concussion and cuts on their face. Two witnesses intervened and one held the defendant down until law enforcement arrived.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/cincinnati-man-charged-federal-hate-crime-physically-assaulting-asian-american-student
Texas | October 19, 2022 | Religion
Texas Man Indicted for Hate Crimes in Shooting at Muslim-Owned Business
A federal grand jury indicted a Texas man for killing one person and attempting to kill four others during an attack at Omar’s Wheels and Tires , a Muslim-owned business, because of their religious beliefs.
According to evidence, the defendant went to Omar’s Wheels and Tires on December 24, 2015, shot and killed one person and attempted to kill three other people. As he was leaving, he attempted to kill a fourth person with his vehicle.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-indicted-hate-crime-shooting
Ohio | October 11, 2022 | Gender
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Conduct Mass Shooting of Women
An Ohio man pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to commit a hate crime, which, because it involved an attempt to kill, is punishable by up to life in prison.
The man had plotted to shoot sorority students at a university in Ohio, identifying himself as an “incel” or “involuntary celibate.” The incel movement is an online community that seeks to commit violence against women in support of their belief that they have been unjustly denied sexual or romantic attention.
According to the charges, the defendant allegedly wrote a manifesto stating he would “slaughter” women “out of hatred, jealousy, and revenge” and later conducted surveillance at the university. He also maintained profiles on a popular incel website, drafting hundreds of posts. Law enforcement found guns, ammunition, body armor, and other tactical equipment in the defendant’s residence and car.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/highland-county-man-pleads-guilty-attempting-hate-crime
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-charged-hate-crime-related-plot-conduct-mass-shooting-women-illegal-possession
Oklahoma | September 27, 2022 | Race
Two Oklahoma Men Plead Guilty to Racially-Motivated Hate Crime
California, Massachusetts, New York | September 14, 2022 | Gender, Sexual Orientation
A California Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Anti-LGBTQ Violence Against Merriam-Webster, Inc. and Others
According to the complaint, between October 2 and October 8, 2021, the defendant made a series of threatening messages and comments. The threats corresponded to the word entries for “Girl” and “Woman.” The threats led Merriam-Webster to close its offices in Springfield, Massachusetts and New York City for about five days.
On October 2, 2021, the defendant began posting threatening comments, suggesting that Merriam-Webster’s “headquarters should be shot up and bombed.” On October 8, 2021, he posted another comment on the dictionary’s website threatening to bomb their offices.
The same online user made similar threats to several others, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, Land O’ Lakes, Hasbro, Inc., IGN Entertainment, the President of the University of North Texas, two professors at Loyola Marymount University, and a New York rabbi.
The charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/california-man-pleads-guilty-threatening-merriam-webster-anti-lgbtq-violence
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/california-man-accused-threatening-merriam-webster-anti-lgbtq-violence-indicted
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/california-man-arrested-and-charged-making-threats-against-lgbtq-community
Missouri | August 8, 2022 | Religion
Missouri Man Admits Threatening to Blow up a St. Louis Synagogue
A man from St. Louis admitted threatening to blow up a St. Louis synagogue in 2021.
The defendant admitted to calling the St. Louis office of the FBI on Nov. 5, 2021 and saying, “I’m going to blow up a church.” He gave his name and identified his target as the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis, saying he would act the next morning, while people were inside.
The defendant continued to contact the FBI with threats, saying he hated Jewish people “with rage.” In a third call, he gave his location, which was on the same street as the targeted Church. Officers arrested the man without further incident.
The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/st-louis-man-admits-threatening-blow-st-louis-synagogue
Texas | August 4, 2022 | Race
Texas Man Sentenced on Hate Crime Charges for Attacking Asian Family
A Texas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison on hate crime charges for attacking an Asian family he believed was Chinese and therefore responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The man admitted that he entered Sam’s Club Warehouse in Midland, Texas, behind an Asian family with young children on March 14, 2020. He had never seen the family before and believed they were Chinese. He followed the family for several minutes because he thought they were “from the country who started spreading that disease around.” He found a serrated steak knife in the store, and cut the father in the face. He left the scene, only to retrieve another knife from the store. When he returned, he attacked the family’s two young children – then aged 6 and 2 years old – who were seated in the front basket of the shopping cart, slashing open the face of the six-year-old child. He also stabbed a Sam’s Club employee who intervened. While witnesses held the man down, he yelled “Get out of America!” at the family. The defendant admitted attempting to kill the 6-year-old child. He also admitted that he attacked the store employee because they prevented him from killing the child.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-sentenced-hate-crime-charges-attacking-asian-family
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-pleads-guilty-hate-crime-charges-attacking-asian-family
New Jersey | July 19, 2022 | Race
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Threatening Maryland Woman and Her Family
A New Jersey man was sentenced for using an anonymizing text message service to threaten physical harm to a Black woman and her family in Maryland.
According to the plea, on April 14, 2020, the man began sending threatening messages, including racial epithets, to describe the Maryland woman and her family. He threatened to come to their home and harm them. The defendant wrote, among other things, that “I know where you live now, I’m coming to rape your family” and “eat my bullets.”
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/new-jersey-man-sentenced-sending-threatening-communications-black-maryland-woman-and-her
District of Columbia | July 14, 2022 | Sexual Orientation
Maryland Man Indicted for Assaulting Men in a D.C. Park
A federal grand jury indicted a District man for assaulting four men because of their perceived sexual orientation.
The indictment alleges that on five separate evenings from 2018 to 2021, the man went to a meeting place for men seeking consensual sex with other men, and assaulted men with a chemical irritant. Before spraying the men, he pretended to be a Park Police officer, shined a flashlight in the victims’ faces and gave the victims police-style directives.
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for each assault.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/maryland-man-indicted-bias-motivated-assaults-men-washington-dc-park
New York | July 14, 2022 | Race
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Accused Tops Shooter on Federal Hate Crimes and Firearms Charges in Buffalo, New York
Missouri | July 7, 2022 | Sexual Orientation
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime in Attempted Murder of Teen
A Kansas City, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to committing a hate crime by shooting a local teenager eight times in an attempted murder that was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation.
According to the plea, after a chance meeting at the Kansas City Public Library on May 29, 2019, the defendant and victim talked briefly over Facebook Messenger before leaving the library. The defendant then went with the victim to the Swope Park area under the guise of looking for a place to engage in a sex act. Around the same time, the defendant wrote to his girlfriend that he “might shoot this boy” because of his sexual orientation. After arriving at a wooded area with the victim, the defendant shot the victim.
The defendant fled the woods toward his apartment building, and continued to engage in attempts to avoid detection or arrest. Later that day, and in the days that followed, he told others that he shot the victim because of his sexual orientation.
The defendant faces a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/kansas-city-missouri-man-pleads-guilty-federal-hate-crime-attempted-murder-teen
Kansas | June 29, 2022 | Race
Kansas Man Sentenced for Violent Racially-Motivated Hate Crime Targeting Black Man
Washington | May 26, 2022 | Sexual Orientation
Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Hate Crime for Arson at Seattle Nightclub
A Washington man pleaded guilty to a hate crime for the Feb. 24, 2020, arson at Queer/Bar, a nightclub and event space in Seattle, Washington.
According to the plea, the man set fire to the contents of a dumpster in the alley directly behind Queer/Bar on Feb. 24, 2020. He was arrested only minutes after setting the fire. He admitted to law enforcement that he set the fire and that he targeted Queer/Bar because it angered him to see a sign that said “queer.” He also told officers, “I think it’s wrong that we have a bunch of queers in our society.” A few weeks after the incident, the defendant told a stranger that his intent in setting the fire was to trap and hurt the people inside.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/washington-man-pleads-guilty-committing-hate-crime-arson-seattle-nightclub
California | May 12, 2022 | Race
California Man Arrested After Using His Car to Disrupt a ‘Stop Asian Hate’ Rally
A Diamond Bar man was arrested on federal charges alleging that he disrupted a “Stop Asian Hate” rally in March 2021 by deliberately running a red light, blocking the path of demonstrators and yelling racial epithets at them.
According to the charges, on March 21, 2021, a “Stop Asian Hate” rally occurred in Diamond Bar. The rally was a protest against the increase in hate crimes and hate incidents against members of the Asian American Pacific Islander community both locally and nationally – including the murders of six Asian American women five days earlier in Atlanta.
During the rally, the defendant allegedly yelled, “Go back to China!” and other racial slurs at the demonstrators. Allegedly, he then deliberately drove his car through the intersection’s crosswalk at the red light, made an illegal U-turn and cut off the route of several rally participants lawfully crossing the street. His car narrowly missing a 9-year old, and others.
The defendant pulled his car over some distance away from the intersection, got out of the car and continued to yell racial epithets and threats at the demonstrators. He then called the police, identified himself as “John Doe” and falsely reported to police that the rally participants were blocking the street and he had to run a red light “because they were about to trample my car,” the indictment alleges. He also allegedly requested that police “get some control out” at the intersection.
If convicted of the two charges in the indictment, the defendant could face up to 20 years in prison.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/diamond-bar-man-arrested-indictment-charging-him-using-his-car-intimidate-demonstrators
Virginia | April 29, 2022 | Race, National Origin
Virginia Man Found Guilty in Bias-Motivated Attack on Construction Workers
A jury found a Virginia man guilty for a hate crime in in his attack on two Hispanic construction workers.
Evidence showed that on July 13, 2019, at about 6 p.m., the victims were closing their construction site for the day. The defendant approached the men and asked to use their power washer.
When the workers did not allow the defendant to borrow the power washer, he became enraged and began screaming racist epithets. He picked up a construction tool with a sharp metal blade, and tried to stab one of the men. A second victim tried to intervene, but he was struck in the face several times causing serious injuries.
For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/hatebias-related-crimes
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-man-sentenced-prison-bias-related-attack-construction-workers
Oregon | April 25, 2022 | Race, Sexual Orientation
Oregon White Supremacist Sentenced to Prison for Mailing Threats to Former Teacher
A jury sentenced an Oregon white supremacist to four years in prison for mailing threats to a former teacher because of her sexual orientation.
Between December 2020 and May 2021, the man sent two threatening letters. The first contained a printout of what appeared to be a dead, mutilated woman. Handwriting on the image included racial and sexual orientation slurs and stated, “What I’d like to do to you.” The second letter contained another photograph of a decapitated woman in a black trunk.
After identifying fingerprints on the letters, in May 2021, the FBI searched the defendant’s house. Agents found body armor, weapons, and a black trunk like the one depicted in his second letter. The house contained literature and handbooks on death, dismemberment, murder, torture, and sexually-motivated killings. Investigators also found evidence that the defendant was a white supremacist, and that he ran a white supremacist website. On January 4, 2022, the defendant pled guilty to two counts of mailing threatening communications.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/eugene-white-supremacist-sentenced-federal-prison-mailing-threatening-communications
New Jersey | April 20, 2022 | Religion
New Jersey Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Attacks on Members of the Orthodox Jewish Community
The Department of Justice charged a New Jersey man with federal hate crimes for a series of violent assaults. The victims were all members of the Orthodox Jewish community in and around Lakewood, New Jersey.
According to the complaint, on April 8, the defendant attacked the first victim and stole his car. The victim was an Orthodox Jew. On three separate occasions that day, the defendant tried to drive a car into Orthodox Jewish pedestrians. On the first attempt, he struck a man causing serious injuries. On the second attempt, the defendant struck the victim, then exited his car and stabbed the victim in the chest with a knife. The third attack also struck an Orthodox Jewish victim, causing serious injuries.
Charges contained in a criminal complaint are serious. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/ocean-county-man-charged-federal-hate-crimes-series-violent-assaults-members-orthodox
Criminal Complaint: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/press-release/file/1495646/download
Florida | April 19, 2022 | Religion
A Florida Man Pleads Guilty for Hate-Motivated Threats Against a Member of Congress
Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota | April 12, 2022 | Religion
Two Illinois Men Sentenced to Prison for Their Roles in 2017 Bombing of Minnesota Islamic Center
A federal judge sentenced two men to prison for their roles in the 2017 bombing of the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. Two other defendants have pled guilty to their roles in the bombing.
During the summer of 2017, the defendants joined a terrorist militia group called “The White Rabbits” in Clarence, Illinois. On August 4th and 5th, the group drove a rented truck from Illinois to Minnesota to bomb the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center. The defendants selected the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center to terrorize Muslims into believing they are not welcome in the United States and should leave the country. On August 5, the group bombed the Islamic Center. At the time of the bombing, several worshipers were gathered in the mosque for morning prayers.
On November 7, 2017, the group also attempted to set fire to the Women’s Health Practice in Champaign, Illinois. They used a sledgehammer to break a window and placed a device in the building to start a fire. The device did not ignite and was found by a Women’s Health Practice employee.
The two men face between 14 and 16 years in prison for their crimes.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-convicts-illinois-man-bombing-dar-al-farooq-islamic-center
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/two-illinois-men-sentenced-prison-their-roles-bombing-dar-al-farooq-islamic-center
Washington | April 8, 2022 | Race
Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime in Assault of a Black Man
Texas | March 24, 2022 | Religion
Texas Man Charged with Setting Fire to Synagogue
A federal grand jury indicted a man for intentionally setting fire to the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Austin on October 31, 2021.
According to evidence, on October 31, 2021, a man set fire to the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue. Security video from that day shows the man moving toward the synagogue’s sanctuary. Moments later, video shows the glow of fire coming from the sanctuary. Then, it shows the man jogging away from the fire to an open vehicle.
No one was injured, but the fire caused over $200,000 in damage. The vehicle seen in the surveillance video was later traced to the defendant. On November 10, 2021, the FBI searched his house. During the search, agents found items like those seen on security videos, including the clothing worn by the defendant. The defendant also had journals with writings about the fire and his hatred of Jewish people.
The defendant faces at least 10 years and up to 60 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the loss suffered by the victim, and additional fees for the amount of damage caused.
An indictment is a serious accusation. A defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-charged-civil-rights-violations-setting-fire-synagogue
California | March 7, 2022 | National Origin
Men Who Targeted Turkish Restaurant Sentenced to Prison for Hate Crimes
A federal court sentenced two men to prison for hate crimes after their attack on a family-owned Turkish restaurant in 2020.
Turkey and Armenia are neighboring countries in western Asia that have a long history of conflict. In September 2020, tensions in Turkish and Armenian communities escalated worldwide, including in the United States.
The defendants, who are Armenian-American, sent text messages stating that they planned to go “hunting for [T]urks.” Later that day, the men met with Armenian-American friends to protest what they considered to be Turkish aggression against Armenians, expressing their contempt for Turkey, and showing support for Armenia. The group drove to the restaurant, and the defendants stormed inside, attacking several people inside. During the attack, multiple victims were injured, including one individual who lost feeling in their legs and collapsed multiple times due to their injuries. One of the defendants asked the victims, “Are you Turkish?” and shouted, “We came to kill you! We will kill you!”
The attack caused at least $20,000 of damage to the restaurant and physically injured multiple victims. The defendants owe their victims $21,200 to pay for the damage.
A federal judge sentenced the one of the men to five years in prison and the other to 15 months in prison for the attack.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/federal-prison-sentences-two-socal-men-who-targeted-turkish-victims-hate-crime-attack
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-agrees-plead-guilty-federal-hate-crime-case-attacking-family-owned-restaurant
Georgia | February 22, 2022 | Race, Color
Federal Jury Finds Three Men Guilty of Hate Crimes in the Pursuit and Killing of Ahmaud Arbery
A jury found three Georgia men guilty of hate crimes and attempted kidnapping in the pursuit and killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man who was jogging on a public road.
Seeing Mr. Arbery jogging, two of the defendants armed themselves, got into a truck, and chased him through the neighborhood. They yelled at him, used their truck to cut off his route, and threatened him with guns. The third defendant joined the chase, and all three men tried to prevent Mr. Arbery from leaving after surrounding him. In the ensuing struggle, one of the men shot and killed Mr. Arbery as he attempted to escape.
An important part of the trial was proving that the defendants acted because of Mr. Arbery's race. Evidence showed that each defendant held racist beliefs that led them to assume, without reason, that Mr. Arbery was a criminal.
All three defendants face sentences of up to life in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-georgia-men-charged-federal-hate-crimes-and-attempted-kidnapping-connection-death
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/federal-jury-finds-three-men-guilty-hate-crimes-connection-pursuit-and-killing-ahmaud-arbery
Tennessee | February 16, 2022 | Religion
Tennessee Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Church Arsons
Massachusetts | February 16, 2022 | Religion
Man Indicted for Obstructing Investigation into Fires at Jewish-Affiliated Institutions
A federal grand jury indicted a man for making false statements and concealing evidence in a domestic terrorism investigation.
The defendant’s brother was a suspect in four bias-motivated fires set in the Boston area. The fires damaged four Jewish-affiliated community centers and businesses.
In March 2020, federal investigators asked the man about his brother's personal property. The defendant allegedly misled investigators, lying about the location of evidence. Shortly after talking with investigators, the defendant fled the country. Allegedly, taking his brother’s electronic devices and papers with him to Sweden.
The defendant faces up to 8 years in prison for making false statements. He faces up to 20 years for concealing evidence.
An indictment is a serious accusation. A defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/massachusetts-man-indicted-obstructing-investigation-fires-jewish-affiliated-institutions
District of Columbia | February 14, 2022 | National Origin
District Man Pleads Guilty to Bias-Related Assault at Fast-Food Restaurant
A District man pled guilty to a bias-related assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.
According to the evidence, the defendant entered a Chipotle restaurant and asked an employee how much food he could buy with about $8. The employee tried to assist, but due to a language barrier, she asked her manager to help the man. Not satisfied, the man began yelling a series of xenophobic, ethnic, and transphobic slurs at the employees.
He climbed onto the service counter and spit on the employee. He began throwing food and serving spoons at the employee, striking her in the hand. The defendant continued yelling slurs throughout the incident. Finally, as he moved towards the exit, he shouted that he was going to return and kill the employees.
The court sentenced the defendant to 450 days in prison. He will serve less time if he completes a year of probation and participates in mental health treatment.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-man-pleads-guilty-bias-related-assault-confrontation-employees-fast-food
Maine, Massachusetts | February 10, 2022 | Race
Maine Man Indicted for Hate Crimes in the Burning of a Black Church
A federal grand jury indicted a Maine man for setting fire to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. The church serves a predominantly Black congregation.
The government alleges that the man is also responsible for a string of other crimes leading up to burning the church. Setting fires on the church’s property and a series of tire slashings. A search of the defendant’s vehicle and electronic devices revealed his hatred of Black people. His phone contained a recent message calling to “eliminate all N****s.”
The defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for using fire to damage religious property, and faces a sentence of at least 10 years in prison for using fire to commit a federal felony.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/maine-man-charged-hate-crime-offenses-arson-predominantly-black-church
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/maine-man-indicted-hate-crime-offenses-relating-burning-black-church-springfield
Oklahoma | February 8, 2022 | Race
Two Oklahoma Men Indicted for Hate Crimes
A federal grand jury indicted two Oklahoma men for committing hate crimes.
The indictment alleges that the men attacked two people because of their race. The assaults occurred in the parking lot of a bar in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 10 years in prison.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-oklahoma-men-indicted-hate-crimes
Arizona, Florida, Texas, Washington | January 11, 2022 | Religion
Leader of Neo-Nazi Group Sentenced for Plot to Target Journalists and Advocates
California | December 28, 2021 | Religion
California Man Sentenced for 2019 Poway Synagogue Shooting and Attempted Mosque Arson
Illinois | December 7, 2021 | Religion
Two Inmates Charged with Murder and Hate Crimes in the Death of a Fellow Inmate
A federal grand jury charged two inmates at Thomson Penitentiary in Thompson, Illinois, with hate crimes and related charged in the beating death of a fellow inmate.
According to the indictment, the two men were members of a white supremacist group called the Valhalla Bound Skinheads. Allegedly, the men attacked the victim because he was Jewish. They beat him even after he was unable to defend himself.
Three of the charges, conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree murder, and hate crimes, carry sentences of up to life in prison.
An indictment is a serious accusation. But the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/federal-indictment-charges-two-thomson-penitentiary-inmates-murder-and-hate-crime
California | December 3, 2021 | Race, Color
California Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Federal Hate Crime
Ohio | November 23, 2021 | Religion
Man Sentenced for Making Anti-Semitic Threats to Neighbors and Breaking Their Window
A federal court sentenced a former Columbus man to six months in prison and a $50,000 fine for a hate crime.
According to evidence, the man threatened his neighbors and their guests during an outdoor gathering in November, 2020. During the confrontation, he made a series of references to gassing Jewish people, chopping them up, and burning them in ovens. He threatened to poison and shoot their dog, and “burn to the ground” a garage that the neighbors were remodeling. He shouted more anti-Semitic slurs, spat at one of the neighbors, and broke one of their windows.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/former-columbus-man-sentenced-prison-hate-crime-involved-making-antisemitic-threats
New Jersey | November 16, 2021 | Race, Religion
New Jersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Vandalize Synagogues
A federal court sentenced a New Jersey man to one year and one day in prison for conspiring with members of a white supremacist hate group.
After joining the white supremacist group, “The Base," he began encouraging members to vandalize properties connected with African Americans and Jewish Americans.
The group called their plan “Kristallnacht,” or “Night of Broken Glass.” Kristallnacht was a notorious 1938 attack in which Nazis murdered Jewish people and destroyed their homes, synagogues, stores, and schools.
On September 21, 2019, members of “The Base” vandalized synagogues in Racine, Wisconsin, and Hancock, Michigan, spray painting them with hate symbols.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/new-jersey-man-sentenced-one-year-and-one-day-prison-conspiring-white-supremacists-vandalize
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/new-jersey-man-admits-conspiring-white-supremacists-vandalize-synagogues-across-country
Oregon | November 16, 2021 | Sexual Orientation
Oregon Man Charged with Hate Crime After Attacking Gay Man
Federal prosecutors charged an Oregon man with a hate crime for using the internet to target and assault a gay man. The complaint alleges that he tried to kill the victim.
According to court documents, the defendant met his victim using Grindr, a social media and networking app designed for gay men. On July 5, after agreeing to meet, he entered the victim’s apartment and beat him with a wooden club. The victim’s injuries were life-threatening.
In the weeks before the attack, the defendant searched for violent anti-gay material on the internet. He also searched for suggestions about getting away with murder. The defendant purchased the weapon and other materials used in the attack online.
Charges contained in a criminal complaint are serious. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/oregon-man-charged-federal-hate-crime-after-attacking-gay-man
Texas | October 13, 2021 | Sexual Orientation
Four Texas Men Sentenced to Prison for Targeting Gay Men for Violent Crimes
Four Texas men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a scheme to target gay men for violent crimes: one to more than 11 years, another to 22 years, a third to 20 years, and most recently, a fourth was sentenced to more than 23 years.
The four defendants admitted that they conspired to target men in and around Dallas for violent crimes. Using Grindr, a social media dating platform used primarily by gay men, the defendants lured men to an apartment complex in Dallas. When the men arrived, the defendants held the men at gunpoint and forced them to drive to local ATMs to withdraw cash from their accounts. While the victims were held at gunpoint, some were physically assaulted, at least one victim was sexually assaulted, and all of the victims were taunted with gay slurs.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-sentenced-hate-crime-and-other-charges-after-using-dating-app-target-gay-men
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-texas-men-sentenced-prison-using-dating-app-target-gay-men-violent-crimes
Ohio | September 13, 2021 | Religion
Ohio Man Sentenced for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Attack a Toledo-Area Synagogue
Maine | September 10, 2021 | Race
Maine Man Sentenced for Committing a Federal Hate Crime
A Maine man was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty for his role in a series of race-based attacks on Black men.
The first attack occurred without any clear cause outside of a bar in Portland, Maine. The assault, which broke the victim’s jaw, was immediately followed by an attack on another Black man who was standing nearby.
In a second incident, which occurred at a convenience store about an hour later and miles away, the defendant and his uncle approached a Black man who was walking toward the store’s entrance. As the uncle of the defendant distracted the victim by shouting a racial slur, the defendant sucker-punched the victim, knocking him to the ground. The attack broke the victim’s jaw in several places.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/maine-man-sentenced-committing-and-conspiring-commit-federal-hate-crime
Oregon | September 9, 2021 | Race
Colorado Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Unprovoked Stabbing of a Black Man
New York | August 25, 2021 | Religion
New York Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Hate Crime Offenses
In November 2019, a woman, who is Jewish, began receiving numerous threatening text messages, voicemails and Facebook posts. In several text messages and voicemails, which continued until June 2020, the defendant threatened to murder and seriously injure the woman. He also threatened to blow up her house and car. Some of the threatening text messages contained anti-Semitic references to the Holocaust.
On December 23, 2019, the first day of Hannukah, the defendant sent the woman a message that included the words “Suns about to go down. It would be a shame if your house were used to light the menorah. Or turned in a gas chamber.” On April 8, 2020, the first day of Passover, he wrote “I’m going to kill you. You better be gone because if you’re in [the victim’s housing community] Easter weekend I’m going to stick you in an oven. Or I’m going to shoot you . . . . I should send you to a concentration camp.”
On June 26, 2020, only a few hours before the defendant was located and arrested by the FBI, the defendant left the victim a voicemail message stating, “The police are not going to help you. The courts are not going to help you. . . . I will kill you.”
The FBI investigation identified several other people who had been similarly threatened and harassed by the defendant.
On April 27, 2021, the defendant pled guilty to one count of interference with the right to fair housing, a hate crime, and one count of sending threatening communications. He was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment, and additional punishment.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-york-man-sentenced-3-years-federal-prison-hate-crime-offenses
Iowa | August 20, 2021 | Race, National Origin
Iowa Woman Sentenced to More Than 25 Years in Prison for Attempting to Kill Two Children Because of their Race and National Origin
An Iowa woman was sentenced on two hate crimes charges for attempting to kill two children because of their race and national origin. The defendant was sentenced to two 25-year terms in federal prison running concurrently, with the sentences to overlap with the sentence imposed in her state court case.
On December 9, 2019, the defendant was driving her car on Creston Avenue in Des Moines, where the first child-victim was walking along the sidewalk with a family member who was also a child. Upon seeing the children and believing them to be of Middle Eastern or African descent, the defendant drove her vehicle over the curb towards the children, striking one of them, and then fleeing the scene.
About 30 minutes later, she was driving her Jeep near Indian Hills Junior High School in Clive, Iowa. The defendant saw a child that she believed was Mexican walking on the sidewalk. The defendant drove her vehicle over the curb and hit the child-victim, causing serious injury, including a concussion, bruises, and cuts. The defendant again fled the scene, but was caught later that day.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/iowa-woman-sentenced-304-months-prison-hate-crimes-involving-attempting-kill-two-children
Virginia | August 20, 2021 | Race
Virginia Man Sentenced for Burning Cross on the Front Yard of Black Family
District of Columbia | August 12, 2021 | Race
District Woman Pleads Guilty to Two Assaults, Including One Prosecuted as Hate Crime
A District of Columbia woman pled guilty this week to charges stemming from two assaults that took place in April and May of 2021, including one that was prosecuted as a hate crime.
The defendant pled guilty on August 9, 2021, to one count of bias-related assault and one count of simple assault. She was sentenced to a total of 180 days in jail, only serving half if she completes a year of probation.
The bias-related assault took place on April 6, 2021, when the defendant assaulted a U.S. Postal Service worker who was making deliveries. She shoved the worker, a Black female, while using racial slurs. As the worker tried to flee, the defendant pursued her and continued her assault by repeatedly shoving her and using racial slurs.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-woman-pleads-guilty-two-assaults-including-one-prosecuted-hate-crime
Missouri | August 11, 2021 | Race
Missouri Man Indicted on Federal Hate Crime and Firearm Charges
A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri has charged a Missouri man with hate crime and firearm charges.
According to court documents, the defendant allegedly shot the victim, trying to kill him with a handgun because of his sexual orientation, causing significant non-fatal injuries.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. If guilty, the defendant faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and at least 10 years in prison on the firearm charge.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/missouri-man-indicted-federal-hate-crime-and-firearm-charges
Kentucky | June 24, 2021 | Race, Color
Kentucky Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Hate Crime Murders
A Kentucky man was sentenced to life in prison without parole for two racially motivated murders and his attempted murder of a third person.
On Oct. 24, 2018, the defendant followed a Black man who was grocery shopping with his grandson, before shooting him several times and killing him. He then walked out of the store and into the parking lot, where he shot and killed a Black woman, and exchanged fire with a Black man who was in lawful possession of a handgun. As he left the third victim, he encountered a legally armed white man, who he said he would not shoot because “whites don’t shoot whites.”
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/kroger-shooter-sentenced-life-prison-hate-crime-murders
Indiana | June 21, 2021 | Race, Color
Indiana Man Sentenced to Prison for Making Racially Motivated Threats Toward Black Neighbor
District of Columbia | June 9, 2021 | Race, Color
District Woman Sentenced to Prison for Hate Crime Targeting Member of the Asian Community
A District of Columbia woman was sentenced to prison for threatening to kill someone because they were a member of the Asian community.
In April, the defendant approached the victim outside a neighborhood store while armed with a knife. She then threatened to kill the victim, saying, “I will kill you; you have coronavirus; go back to China.”
The judge sentenced the defendant to the maximum penalty of 270 days, but suspended all but 90 days of incarceration. After her term in prison, she will be placed on probation for 18 months.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-woman-sentenced-prison-hate-crime-targeting-member-asian-community
Montana | June 2, 2021 | Sexual Orientation
Montana Man Indicted on Federal Hate Crime and Firearm Charges
A Montana man has been charged with hate crime and firearm violations for attempting to injure an individual because of their sexual orientation. On March 22, 2020, he allegedly fired a gun into an individual’s house and threatened the individual, saying he wanted to “get rid of the lesbians [and] gays.”
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/montana-man-indicted-federal-hate-crime-and-firearm-charges-0
Alaska | May 27, 2021 | Religion
Alaska Defendant Pleads Guilty for Threatening Los Angeles Synagogue
An Alaska defendant pled guilty to making threats to a synagogue and attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religious beliefs.
On November 1, 2019, the defendant called a Los Angeles area synagogue and left a voice message stating that they were going to kill the synagogue’s congregants. In their message, the defendant repeatedly used slurs referring to people of Jewish faith. The defendant admitted to committing this act with the intent to obstruct the synagogue’s congregants from enjoying the free exercise of their religious beliefs.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23, 2021.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/alaska-defendant-pleads-guilty-threatening-los-angeles-synagogue
New York | May 22, 2021 | Religion
New York Man Arrested for Arson of Yeshiva and Synagogue
A New York man was arrested and charged with setting fire to a yeshiva (a Jewish school) and synagogue on May 19, 2021.
He was captured on surveillance video piling and igniting garbage bags next to a Brooklyn building that housed a yeshiva and a synagogue. Hours later, he was captured on surveillance video again, this time repeatedly punching a man wearing traditional Hasidic garb. There was no interaction between the defendant and the victim prior to the assault.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/brooklyn-man-arrested-arson-yeshiva-and-synagogue
Tennessee | May 17, 2021 | Religion, National Origin
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime for Assaulting Two Teenage Girls and their Father
A Tennessee man pled guilty to a federal hate crime offense for assaulting two girls and their father.
On October 24, 2017, he yelled “Allahu Akbar!” and “Go back to your country!” at two teenage girls wearing hijabs. He later attacked and injured the girls’ father by swinging a knife and punching at him. When the girls’ mother arrived on the scene with her young child in her car, he chased after them with his knife still drawn. After being taken into custody, the defendant made derogatory comments about the family, pledged to kill them when the police released him, and admitted that he carried out this assault because of the actual and perceived religion and national origin of the victims.
He will be sentenced on October 7, 2021.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tennessee-man-pleads-guilty-federal-hate-crime
California | April 27, 2021 | Race, National Origin
Two California Men Indicted in Hate Crimes Case Alleging They Attacked Family-Owned Restaurant and Threatened to Kill the Victims Inside
Two Los Angeles-area men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and hate crimes offenses for attacking five victims of a family-owned Turkish restaurant and threatening to kill them. On the day of the attack, one of the defendants sent a text message saying that he planned to go “hunting for [T]urks.” The two men allegedly attacked the restaurant while shouting anti-Turkish slurs, hurling chairs at victims, and threatening to kill them. Multiple victims were injured during the attack and there was over $20,000 worth of damage done to the restaurant.
If found guilty, each of the men face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the hate crime charges and five years in prison for the conspiracy charge.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-california-men-indicted-hate-crimes-case-alleging-they-attacked-family-owned-restaurant
Iowa | April 22, 2021 | Race, National Origin
Iowa Woman Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Charges for Attempting to Kill Two Children Because of their Race and National Origin
An Iowa woman pled guilty to hate crime charges for attempting to kill two children because of their race and national origin.
While driving, the defendant spotted children walking on the sidewalk and upon seeing them and believing that they were of Middle Eastern or African descent, she drove her vehicle over the curb toward both children, striking one of them. She then drove away from the scene. Approximately 30 minutes after the initial assault, the woman drove her vehicle onto another sidewalk striking a child that she believed was Mexican.
She will face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the charged offenses.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/iowa-woman-pleads-guilty-hate-crime-charges-attempting-kill-two-children-because-their-race
Michigan | March 30, 2021 | Race
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime for Attacking Black Teenager
California | March 26, 2021 | Religion, Sexual Orientation
California Woman Sentenced to 15 Months for Threatening to Bomb Catholic Prep School
A California woman has been sentenced to 15 months and 13 days for intentionally obstructing individuals’ free exercise of religion by threatening to bomb the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., the oldest Catholic school for girls in the country.
The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.In May of 2019, the school announced that it would begin publishing same-sex wedding announcements in its alumni magazine. In response to the school’s decision, the defendant made multiple calls to the school, threatening to bomb the church, blow up the school, and kill school officials and students.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-woman-sentenced-15-months-threatening-bomb-catholic-prep-school
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-woman-pleads-guilty-hate-crime-threatening-bomb-catholic-prep-school
Colorado | February 26, 2021 | Religion
Southern Colorado Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years for Plotting to Blow Up Synagogue
A Colorado man, who self-identifies as a neo-Nazi and white supremacist, was sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for plotting to blow up the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado.
In conversations with undercover FBI agents, the defendant repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and said that he wanted the bombing of the synagogue to send a message to Jewish people that they must leave his town “otherwise people will die.” The defendant’s conduct meets the federal definition of domestic terrorism.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/southern-colorado-man-sentenced-more-19-years-plotting-blow-synagogue
Michigan | February 11, 2021 | Race, Color
Michigan Man Indicted for Hate Crimes After Attacking African-American Teenagers
A Michigan man has been charged for causing bodily injury to two Black teenagers through the use of a dangerous weapon.
According to the charges, he confronted a group of Black teenagers at a state park, repeatedly using racial slurs and saying that Black people had no right to use the public beach. He then struck one of the teens in the face with a bike lock, fracturing the victim’s jaw and knocking out several of his teeth, before trying to strike another teen with the lock.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/michigan-man-indicted-hate-crimes-after-attacking-african-american-teenagers
Vermont | November 3, 2020 | Race, National Origin
Man Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime
A Vermont man was sentenced to time served, of nearly a year, and three years of supervised release for pleading guilty to a federal hate crime.
On July 29, 2019, the defendant intimidated and harassed his neighbors, o a Hispanic family including two children, because of their race and national origin. He threatened to burn down the family’s home while they were inside and threatened to set fire to a member of the family. The defendant also shouted racial and ethnic slurs at the family, yelled at them to “go back to Mexico,” and yelled that “you Mexicans don’t belong on this street.” He warned the family that he would do “whatever it takes to get you off this street,” and exposed his genitals and buttocks in front of the family, including one of the children. Finally, he smashed the family’s mailbox and smashed glass on their lawn.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/man-sentenced-federal-hate-crime
Texas | July 9, 2020 | Race, National Origin
Federal Grand Jury in El Paso Returns Superseding Indictment in August 2019 Walmart Shooting
The Texas man responsible for a 2019 mass shooting in an El Paso Walmart now faces new hate crime and firearm charges stemming from the death of a hospitalized shooting victim, announced Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric D. Dreiband and U.S. Attorney John F. Bash.
The alleged shooter was already indicted on hate crimes and firearm charges in connection with the murder of 22 people and attempted murder of 23 others at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, on August 3, 2019.
The indictment alleges that he opened fire with an assault rifle and shot multiple people around the Walmart Supercenter in El Paso, killing 22 individuals and injuring many more. The indictment further alleges that on the same day he uploaded a document that he drafted titled, “The Inconvenient Truth,” to the internet. That document stated “This attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas. They are the instigators, not me. I am simply defending my country from cultural and ethnic replacement brought on by the invasion.”
The indictment charges that the subject willfully caused bodily injuries to the victims because of actual and perceived national origin. The indictment calls for the death penalty or life imprisonment. The Attorney General will decide whether to seek the death penalty at a later time.
Video of Press Conference, remarks from Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband (in English), U.S. Attorney John F. Bash (in English and Spanish), and FBI El Paso Special Agent Charles Luis M. Quesada (in English and Spanish): https://www.justice.gov/opa/video/texas-man-charged-federal-hate-crimes-and-firearm-offenses-related-august-3-2019-mass
Remarks from Civil Rights Division: https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/remarks-assistant-attorney-general-eric-dreiband-announcing-united-states-v-patrick-wood
Press Release (charge): https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/texas-man-charged-federal-hate-crimes-and-firearm-offenses-related-august-3-2019-mass
Press Release (superseding indictment): https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/federal-grand-jury-el-paso-returns-superseding-indictment-against-patrick-crusius
New York | June 30, 2020 | Religion
New York Man Arrested for Hate Crime
A New York Man has been charged by federal criminal complaint with making anti-Semitic death threats to a resident of Stratford, Connecticut.
On December 23, 2019, the first day of Hanukkah, the man began sending the victim, who is Jewish, threatening text messages. In several messages, he threatened to murder or seriously injure the victim. He also threatened to blow up the victim’s house and car. Some of the threatening text messages contained anti-Semitic references to the Holocaust.
The charges, which include a hate crime, carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-york-man-arrested-hate-crime
Missouri | May 12, 2020 | Religion
Missouri Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Arson Charges
A Missouri man faces charges for damaging religious property. These charges are the result of an investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Missouri State Fire Marshal Office, the Perryville Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 24, 2020, at approximately 4:50 a.m., a fire was discovered at The Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Center’s video security system for the time of the fire observed the defendant throwing multiple objects through a glass window, causing it to break. He threw two containers into the Center through the broken window and stepped through to enter the Center, and then picked up the containers and splashed liquid inside the Center. He then ignited the fire with some type of fire starter. The blaze began immediately and appeared to be accelerated by the liquid that was poured in the building.
These charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/missouri-man-indicted-hate-crime-and-arson-charges
Florida/Virginia | April 30, 2020 | Race, Color
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Racially-Motivated Election Interference and Cyberstalking
Massachusetts | April 15, 2020 | Religion
Massachusetts Man Charged with Attempted Arson at a Jewish-Sponsored Assisted Living Facility
An East Longmeadow man was arrested and charged in connection with attempted arson at a Longmeadow assisted living residential facility.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 2, 2020, police discovered a homemade bomb at the entrance of Ruth’s House, a Jewish-sponsored assisted living residential facility for seniors of all faiths,. Police linked D.N.A. found on the device to the defendant. The device was discovered after law enforcement identified credible online threats against Ruth’s House on social media posts tied to a white supremacist organization.
The defendant faces two separate charges, each with sentences of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and fines of $250,000.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/east-longmeadow-man-charged-attempted-arson-longmeadow-assisted-living-residential
Pennsylvania | March 30, 2020 | Race, Color, Religion, National Origin
Lehighton Man Charged with Internet Threats
A Leighton man has been charged with transmitting threats across state lines to cause bodily injury to another person.
The defendant allegedly used fake names online to post hundreds of anti-Semitic, anti-black, and anti-Muslim messages, images, and videos. Several of these posts, like the one charged in the complaint, included threats to various religious and racial groups. Other posts expressed a desire to commit genocide and “hate crimes,” and called for or depicted images of the killing of Jewish people, black people, and Muslim people”. On March 13, 2019, the defendant allegedly posted a digitally-created image of his arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in what appears to be a synagogue.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment for each violation, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/lehighton-man-charged-internet-threats
Utah | March 17, 2020 | Race, National Origin
Utah Man Convicted on Hate Crimes Charges for Attacking Three Men with a Metal Pole
A federal jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, found defendant Alan Covington guilty on three hate crimes charges. The Utah man is charged with attacking three men with a metal pole because he believed the men were Mexican.
Evidence presented at trial established that on November 27, 2018, Covington entered a tire store and shouted at employees there that he wanted to “kill Mexicans.” Then he struck one of the employees in the head with a metal pole that resulted in a serious head injury. After the father of the victim rushed to help his son, Covington struck the father in the back with the metal pole. Covington also attempted to injure a third man who intervened.
A sentencing date has not been set yet. Covington faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Indictment: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/pr/utah-man-charged-hate-crimes-attacking-three-men-metal-pole
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/utah-man-convicted-hate-crime-charges-after-attacking-three-men-metal-pole
Maine | March 10, 2020 | Race, National Origin
Man Convicted of Hate Crime Assaults in Maine
Maurice Diggins was convicted of conspiring to—and committing—hate crimes against black men in Maine. The government proved that Diggins conspired with his nephew, Dusty Leo, to brutally assault two men because they were black. Leo had already pleaded guilty.
In the first incident, Diggins attacked a black Sudanese man without provocation. During the same incident, Diggins and Leo assaulted another black man who was standing nearby. Witnesses heard Diggins and Leo using racial epithets during these incidents.
In the second incident, which occurred about an hour later and approximately 20 miles away, Diggins and Leo drove into a parking lot of a convenience store, where Diggins got out of the truck and approached a black man who was walking toward the store’s entrance. Diggins directed a racial slur at the man and distracted him while Leo got out of the truck and sucker-punched the man in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.
In both incidents, Diggins and Leo’s unprovoked attacks broke the victims’ jaws requiring extensive surgery.
Diggins and Leo have not been sentenced yet. Diggins faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each hate crimes charge, and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge. Leo faces the same penalties for the conspiracy charge and the hate crimes charge.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/biddeford-maine-man-convicted-hate-crime-assaults
Louisiana | February 10, 2020 | Religion
Louisiana Church Bombing
Holden Matthews has pled guilty to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches in the area of Opelousas because of the religious character of those buildings. Matthews set the fires over ten days in March and April of 2019, and each of the church buildings was destroyed.
Matthews admitted that he intentionally set fire to the three Baptist churches with predominately African-American congregations.
Matthews further admitted that he wanted to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. After setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook showing the first two churches burning. He admitted that he took these photographs and videos in real-time on his cell phone as he watched the churches burn, and that he posted them to Facebook to promote himself in the Black Metal community.
Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.
Indictment: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/louisiana-man-charged-federal-hate-crimes-setting-fire-three-st-landry-parish-churches
Plea: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/louisiana-man-pleads-guilty-burning-three-baptist-churches-st-landry-parish
Maryland | January 16, 2020 | Religion
Man Charged for Making Threats Against a Maryland Synagogue
A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging a Maryland man for threatening to attack a Baltimore-area synagogue on multiple occasions. The superseding indictment replaces the previous indictment, which only charged him with making threats in interstate communications.
In addition to the interstate communications charge, the suspect is charged with intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs through threats of force.
According to the superseding indictment, he made numerous telephone calls to an employee of a synagogue in Owings Mills, Maryland, and threatened to kill members of the synagogue’s congregations with firearms, explosives, and by burning the synagogue down.
If convicted, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to 250,000.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/superseding-indictment-charges-man-making-threats-against-maryland-synagogue
New York | January 9, 2020 | Religion
Orange County Man Charged with Additional Federal Hate Crimes for Machete Attack at Rabbi’s Home
A federal grand jury has indicted a New York man with federal hate crimes including willfully causing bodily injury to five victims because of the victims’ religion and for obstructing the free exercise of religion by attempting to kill during Hanukkah observances at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York.
The indictment alleges that on December 28, 2019, the subject was armed with an 18-inch machete and entered a rabbi’s home—adjacent to the rabbi’s synagogue—where dozens had gathered for Hanukkah. There he slashed and stabbed several of the assembled congregants. At least five victims were hospitalized with severe injuries. It is alleged that he targeted and attacked the congregants because of their religion.
Following the attack, he was stopped by members of the New York City Police Department. In the vehicle they saw a machete that appeared to have traces of dried blood on it. After securing warrants, law enforcement searched the subject’s residence and cellphone. The residence contained handwritten journals with several pages of anti-Semitic references, including references to “Adolf Hitler” and “Nazi Culture.” The cellphone contained internet searches for terms such as “Zionist Temples in Staten Island and New Jersey,” “why did Hitler hate the Jews,” and “prominent companies founded by Jews in America.” Also found was a webpage visit on the day of the attack to an article titled, “New York Increases Police Presence in Jewish Neighborhoods After Anti-Semitic Attacks. Here’s What to Know.”
Each count carries a maximum prison term of life.
Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/orange-county-man-charged-additional-federal-hate-crimes-december-28-2019-machete-attack
Texas | December 13, 2019 | Sexual orientation
Dallas Men Plead Guilty to Hate Crimes After Using Dating App to Target Gay Men
Two men have pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime and other charges in connection with their involvement in a scheme to single out men because of their sexual orientation. The defendants conspired with a third accomplice, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and kidnapping charges in connection with the case in March of 2019.
The defendants used Grindr, a social media platform, to lure gay men to areas around Dallas for robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and violent hate crimes. The co-conspirators held the victims at gunpoint against their will, forced a victim to withdraw money from an ATM, sexually assaulted at least one of the victims, and wiped human feces on and urinated on another victim.
Defendant Atkinson will be sentenced in February of 2020. Sentencing for defendant Ceniceros-Deleon is set for April 1, 2020, and the court has not scheduled a sentencing hearing for defendant Henry.
Henry and Ceniceros-Deleon Guilty Plea: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-dallas-men-plead-guilty-hate-crimes-after-using-dating-app-target-gay-men-violent-crimes
Atkinson Guilty Plea: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/dallas-man-pleads-guilty-kidnapping-and-conspiracy-charges-after-targeting-gay-men-violent
Mississippi | November 7, 2019 | Race, Color
Two Mississippi Men Sentenced for Crossburning in Predominantly African American Residential Area
Graham Williamson and Louie Revette, of Seminary, Mississippi, were sentenced for a racially motivated crossburning in a predominantly African-American residential area. Williamson was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison. Revette was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for recruiting Williamson, planning, and executing the crossburning.
In October 2017, the two men built a cross that they set up and lit on fire near the homes of African-American residents in the Keys Hill area of Seminary, Mississippi. Both men admitted to knowing that burning crosses have historically been used to threaten, frighten, and intimidate African-Americans, and that they wanted to make the community members in the neighborhood fearful. The crossburning was mostly directed at a young African-American victim and placed near the victim’s home.
Williamson Sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/mississippi-man-sentenced-36-months-crossburning
Revette Sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/mississippi-man-sentenced-11-years-crossburning
Colorado | November 4, 2019 | Religion
Colorado Man Charged with Federal Hate Crime for Plotting to Blow Up Synagogue
A Colorado man was charged with a federal hate crime for plotting to blow up the Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Pueblo, Colorado.
According to the affidavit, the defendant self-identifies as a skinhead and a white supremacist. After visiting Temple Emanuel and observing Jewish congregants, the subject allegedly told undercover FBI agents that he wanted to do something that would tell Jewish people in the community that they are not welcome in Pueblo, and they should leave or they will die. He repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and support for a racial holy war. He suggested using explosive devices to destroy the Synagogue to “get that place off the map.” He allegedly met with undercover FBI agents posing as fellow white supremacists to develop an attack plan and coordinate how to get explosives.
On November 1, 2019, Holzer allegedly met with undercover agents who provided him with inactive explosive devices created by the FBI. He planned to set off the explosives early Saturday, November 2.
The defendant is currently in federal custody and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Criminal Complaint Charge: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/southern-colorado-man-charged-federal-hate-crime-plotting-blow-synagogue
Louisiana | October 31, 2019 | Disability
Louisiana Family Members Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Woman with Disabilities
Virginia | August 15, 2019 | Religion, National Origin
Virginia Man Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Threatening Employees Of The Arab American Institute
William Syring of Arlington, Virginia, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for threatening employees of the Arab American Institute (AAI) because of their race and national origin. Syring also targeted AAI employees because of their efforts to encourage Arab Americans to participate in political and civic life in the United States.
Syring sent over 700 emails to AAI employees from 2012 to 2017, including five death threats. Similarly, in 2008, Syring admitted to sending threatening emails to AAI employees and used language nearly identical to that in his 2017 emails. For over a decade, AAI employees lived in fear that he would follow through with his threats. The threatening messages took a toll on them, their families, and their loved ones.
On May 9, 2019, Syring was convicted on all 14 counts in the indictment, including seven hate crime charges and seven interstate threats charges.
Indictment: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/virginia-man-indicted-hate-crime-and-threatening-employees-arab-american-institute
Conviction: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/virginia-man-convicted-threatening-employees-arab-american-institute
Virginia | July 19, 2019 | Race, Color
Three Members of California-Based White Supremacist Group Sentenced on Riots Charges Related to August 2017 “Unite the Right” Rally in Charlottesville
Benjamin Daley, Michael Miselis, and Thomas Gillen, members of the white-supremacist group formerly known as the Rise Above Movement (RAM), were sentenced in court for violence they committed at political rallies as part of their conspiracy to riot.
From March 2017 to August 2017, the three men traveled with other RAM members to multiple political rallies and organized demonstrations in Virginia and California where they engaged in planned acts of violence. They attended these rallies intending to provoke physical conflict with counter-protestors, which they believed would justify their use of force and protect them from prosecution. The defendants admitted that their acts of violence during the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally were not in self-defense.
Daley was sentenced to 37 months in prison, Gillen was sentenced to 33 months in prison, and Miselis was sentenced to 27 months in prison. A fourth defendant, Cole Evan White, will be sentenced at a later date. All four defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to riot.
Sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/three-members-california-based-white-supremacist-group-sentenced-riots-charges-related
Virginia | June 28, 2019 | Race, color, national origin, religion
Charlottesville Rally Participant Sentenced for Car Attack
James Alex Fields, Jr., who participated in a white nationalist rally held in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to hate crimes charges that resulted in the death of a victim, caused bodily injury, and involved an attempt to kill other people after he drove into a group of counter-protestors.
According to facts signed by Fields, he attended the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where multiple groups and individuals chanted and expressed white supremacist and anti-Semitic views. After law enforcement told rally participants to leave, he admitted that he drove into downtown Charlottesville where a racially and ethnically diverse crowd had gathered. Fields proceeded to drive into a crowd of counter-protestors because of their actual and perceived race, color, national origin, and religion. He also admitted that prior to the rally he used social media to express and promote white supremacist views; the social and racial policies of Nazi-era Germany; and violence against groups that he perceived to be non-white.
Indictment: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-charged-federal-hate-crimes-related-august-2017-rally-charlottesville
Guilty Plea: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-pleads-guilty-29-federal-hate-crimes-august-2017-car-attack-rally-charlottesville
Sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-life-prison-federal-hate-crimes-related-august-2017-car-attack-rally
Oregon | May 23, 2019 | Religion
Oregon Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Hate Crime Targeting Eugene Church
Benjamin Hernandez, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for committing a hate crime targeting St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene in September 2018 and illegally possessing ammunition.
Hernandez was escorted from St. Mary Church property on September 9, 2018, following an angry outburst during communion services. Over the following weeks, Hernandez was spotted around the property by security cameras and employees spraying door handles with pepper spray, making threatening gestures towards members of the congregation, and leaving a threatening note coupled with ammunition. As a result, staff and churchgoers were physically injured, frightened, and concerned about their safety.
Hernandez was arrested on September 21, 2018, and pleaded guilty on February 12, 2019, to obstruction or attempted obstruction of persons in the free exercise of their religious beliefs and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Guilty Plea: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/oregon-man-pleads-guilty-federal-hate-crime-threatening-shooting-spree-eugene-church
Sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/oregon-man-sentenced-15-months-federal-prison-hate-crime-targeting-eugene-church
Utah | February 20, 2019 | Race, national origin
Utah Man Charged With Hate Crimes for Attacking Three Men
A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, indicted a Utah man on three hate crimes charges. The Utah man is charged with attacking three men with a metal pole because he believed the men were Mexican.
The indictment alleges that on November 27, 2018, the accused entered a tire store and shouted that he wanted to “kill Mexicans.” Then he allegedly hit one victim in the head with a metal pole in an attempt to kill the victim and struck another man in an attempt to injure him.
Indictment: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/pr/utah-man-charged-hate-crimes-attacking-three-men-metal-pole
Pennsylvania | January 29, 2019 | Religion
Pennsylvania Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Tree Of Life Synagogue Shooting
Robert Bowers was charged with 44 federal counts, including obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death for an attack that occurred on the Sabbath at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October 2018. On January 29, 2019, a federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged Bowers with additional federal hate crimes and firearms offenses for his conduct during the shootings. According to the indictment, the shootings occurred on October 27, 2018, when Bowers entered the Tree of Life Synagogue with multiple firearms and stated his desire to “kill Jews.” Bowers killed eleven worshippers, and injured two other members of the congregations and five law enforcement officers. Bowers faces a maximum possible penalty of life without parole. The additional charges can also result in a sentence of death. If the Attorney General determines the circumstances of these offenses justify seeking the death penalty, the Department of Justice must file a notice with the court at a reasonable time before the trial begins.
Additional Charges Filed: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/additional-charges-filed-tree-life-synagogue-shooting-0
Ohio | January 29, 2019 | Religion
Ohio Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Attempting to Commit a Violent Hate Crime Attack Against a Toledo Synagogue
A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Ohio charged an Ohio man with three federal charges in connection with his plan to attack a synagogue in the Toledo area.
The three-count indictment charges the defendant with attempting to provide material support to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), attempting to commit a hate crime, and possessing firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, the defendant drew law enforcement’s attention in 2018 with social media posts of weapons and messages supportive of ISIS, as well as posting a photograph originally distributed by ISIS. That online activity led to multiple interactions between him and undercover FBI agents, during which the defendant stated his support for violent attacks and operations. For example, he communicated to the undercover agent his admiration for the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that occurred in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October 2018. Additionally, the defendant discussed conducting a mass shooting at a synagogue with the undercover agent. He identified two synagogues as potential targets, discussed the types of weapons he believed would be able to inflict mass casualties, and stated he wanted to kill a rabbi. He wrote the name and address of the synagogue he selected and showed the undercover agent photos of the inside. He was arrested after he accepted two semi-automatic rifles the undercover agent told him he had purchased for the attack. The weapons were rendered inoperable by law enforcement officers, so they posed no danger to the public.
Indictment: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-indicted-attempting-provide-material-support-isis-and-attempting-commit-violent-hate
Kansas | January 25, 2019 | Religion, national origin
Three Kansas Men Sentenced to Prison for Plotting to Bomb Somali Immigrants in Garden City
On January 25, 2019, Curtis Allen, Gavin Wright, and Patrick Stein were sentenced to 25, 26, and 30 years, respectively, for conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and to violate the housing rights of their intended victims. Both conspiracies stemmed from the defendants’ plot to blow up an apartment complex in an effort to kill the Somali Muslim immigrants who lived and worshipped there. Prior to the conviction, the FBI conducted an eight-month-long investigation during which they uncovered recordings of the defendants discussing their plan to attack the apartment complex. One undercover FBI agent posed as a black-market arms dealer and met with one of the defendants, who attempted to purchase a bomb from the undercover agent.
Sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-southwest-kansas-men-sentenced-prison-plotting-bomb-somali-immigrants-garden-city
