Tag:

Hate crimes

Hate Crimes, Harassment Of Same-Sex Couple In Thurmont Neighborhood Lands Man Jail Time Hate Crimes, Harassment Of Same-Sex Couple In Thurmont Neighborhood Lands Man Jail Time
Hate Crimes, Harassment Of Same-Sex Couple In Thurmont Neighborhood Lands Man Jail Time A hateful man who targeted a same-sex couple in his neighborhood is to serve more than a year in jail, the Frederick County State's Attorney announced. Thurmont resident Michael David Burns was sentenced to nine years, with all but 18 months suspended to be served in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center after being convicted on 10 counts, including multiple hate crimes involving his neighbors. Prosecutors say that the victims, a same-sex couple who are neighbors of Burns, reported the trespassing and harassment last year directly to the State’s Attorney’s Office, prompting a len…
6 Southwick Teens Held Mock 'Slave Auction,' Made Racist Comments On Social Media: DA 6 Southwick Teens Held Mock 'Slave Auction,' Made Racist Comments On Social Media: DA
6 Southwick Teens Held Mock 'Slave Auction,' Made Racist Comments On Social Media: DA Six Hampden County eighth-grade students have been charged in juvenile court after chat logs were discovered where they made threats against minority students, used racist slurs, shared racist memes and comments, and held a mock "slave auction" for two black classmates, authorities said.  Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni held a press conference on Thursday, March 14, explaining his decision to charge the Southwick Regional School students. He called their online chat "vile, cruel, and contemptible" in a news release.  Hatred and racism have no place in this community. …
‘You're A Racist': Video Shows Lawyer Harassing Melville Mosque Members Over Israel-Hamas War ‘You're A Racist': Video Shows Lawyer Harassing Melville Mosque Members Over Israel-Hamas War
‘You're A Racist': Video Shows Lawyer Harassing Melville Mosque Members Over Israel-Hamas War A New York lawyer is facing criminal charges after he was allegedly caught on video harassing members of a mosque over the Israel-Hamas war. The Long Island incident happened at around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Melville Islamic Center, located on Old Neck Road. Suffolk County Police said Jordan Endler, age 46, entered the place of worship and made several statements regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Video shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows Endler walking in circles around a staircase while repeatedly shouting, “Free the Israeli hostages now.” A woman filming the i…
Pair Charged With Stealing Pride Flags From Home In Arlington, Police Say Pair Charged With Stealing Pride Flags From Home In Arlington, Police Say
Pair Charged With Stealing Pride Flags From Home In Arlington, Police Say Two people have been arrested following multiple reports of Pride flags that were stolen in Arlington County, police say. Matthew Henshaw, age 20, of Fort Myer is facing a host of charges following a months-long investigation into purported hate crimes that were reported online. According to an Arlington County Police Department spokesperson, between September last year and January, the agency received five online reports for larcenies in the 200 block of South Courthouse Road. Officials say that in each instance, a man approached the property during the early morning hours and stole a Pri…
Shock Spreads After Imam Shot Dead Outside Newark Mosque (UPDATE) Shock Spreads After Imam Shot Dead Outside Newark Mosque (UPDATE)
Shock Spreads After Imam Shot Dead Outside Newark Mosque (Update) An imam was pronounced dead after being fatally shot outside a Newark mosque on Wednesday, Jan. 3, authorities said. Hassan Sharif was found by officers responding to the Masjid Muhammad Newark mosque on South Orange Ave., at 6:16 a.m., Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé, said.  Police brought Sharif to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:20 p.m., the Essex County Sheriff's Office said. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the shooting does not appear to have been an act motivated by bias or domestic terrorism. “We know that in light of global eve…
Second Swastika Found At Riverhead Middle School: 'Please Speak With Your Children' Second Swastika Found At Riverhead Middle School: 'Please Speak With Your Children'
Second Swastika Found At Riverhead Middle School: 'Please Speak With Your Children' A Long Island school district is urging parents to partner alongside schools in teaching the gravity of bigotry after a second swastika symbol was found in the span of a week. On Monday, Nov. 27, the Riverhead Central School District (CSD) sent a letter out to the community regarding the discovery of a swastika written on a blackboard by a student at Riverhead Middle School. The release closely mirrors a similar letter written by interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich just days before, when a swastika was found drawn on a piece of art in the same school. Earlier Report: Swastika …
Swastika Found At Riverhead Middle School, Officials Say Swastika Found At Riverhead Middle School, Officials Say
Swastika Found At Riverhead Middle School, Officials Say A swastika was found at a Long Island school, prompting an investigation into the incident, according to authorities. The hateful symbol, which was found on a piece of artwork, has sparked an investigation into the incident, according to the district. In a release to parents and students in the Riverhead School District, interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich announced on Friday, Nov. 17 that a swastika had been discovered at Riverhead Middle School. Found by a group of students and a teacher, the symbol had been drawn on a piece of artwork hung in the school. Pedisich claimed the distr…
Longtime Mount Vernon Resident Announces Run To Become Westchester's First Black DA Longtime Mount Vernon Resident Announces Run To Become Westchester's First Black DA
Longtime Mount Vernon Resident Announces Run To Become Westchester's First Black DA A Westchester native with years of experience in civil rights cases has announced his candidacy to become the county's first Black district attorney.  Mount Vernon native and attorney William O. Wagstaff III announced his candidacy for the Westchester County District Attorney's office on Monday, Nov. 20.  Wagstaff's candidacy announcement comes nearly a month after the county's current District Attorney, Miriam Rocah, announced she would not be seeking re-election in 2024.  Earlier Report - Westchester DA Rocah Won't Seek Re-Election: 'I Do Not Fit Mold Of Career Polit…
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul $75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul As a response to the rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic crimes across New York State stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to keep New Yorkers safe. Earlier report: 21-Year-Old Accused Of Threatening To Shoot, Stab, Rape Jewish Students On Campus At Cornell The announcement came on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Hochul, utilizing all available state resources, declared a multi-branched plan aimed at limiting the number of hate and bias crimes, which she says have risen since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. “Let me be clear: we cannot…
Man Points Gun At 'Peace For Palestine' Rally Attendees On Pennsylvania Capitol's Steps: Police Man Points Gun At 'Peace For Palestine' Rally Attendees On Pennsylvania Capitol's Steps: Police
Man Points Gun At 'Peace For Palestine' Rally Attendees On Pennsylvania Capitol's Steps: Police A "Peace for Palestine" rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol was winding down when a man pulled up, hopped out of his car "yelling racial slurs" and pointed a gun at some of the attendees on Friday, Pennsylvania Capitol Police told Daily Voice.  The man, later identified as Richard Kevin Blandy, 56 of South Lebanon Township, fled from the scene just before 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, according to the PCP's statement.  The police chased after the man's vehicle on foot, but were not able to immediately capture him as he "fled the area committing several traffic violations," the PCP sai…
'Disgrace': Bar Patron Assaults Employee, Launches Tirade At Jersey City Gay Bar 'Disgrace': Bar Patron Assaults Employee, Launches Tirade At Jersey City Gay Bar
'Disgrace': Bar Patron Assaults Employee, Launches Tirade At Jersey City Gay Bar A man assaulted an employee and hurled anti-gay slurs at a Jersey City gay bar on Thursday, Sept. 28, authorities and the bar said. Pint, which has been a Jersey City institution since 1911, said the man asked an employee why they have a rainbow flag. When finding out he was in a gay bar, the man flew into a rage, said gays target children, that gay people and gay bars should be illegal and used a homophobic slur, the bar wrote on Instagram.  He sped away before police arrived, the bar said, but they were able to take a photo of him. View this post on Instagram …
Anti-Semitic Threats Made Against New Brunswick School Administrator On Instagram: Prosecutor Anti-Semitic Threats Made Against New Brunswick School Administrator On Instagram: Prosecutor
Anti-Semitic Threats Made Against New Brunswick School Administrator On Instagram: Prosecutor A teenager has been arrested for making violent, anti-semitic threats against a New Brunswick school administrator on Instagram, authorities said. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Anthony Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department announced that a juvenile male has been taken into custody and charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses which, if committed by an adult, would constitute false public alarm, terroristic threats, and bias intimidation. On Thursday, Sept. 7, the New Brunswick Police Department received a report detail…
Acts Of Terror: Officials Speaks Out After Signage Damage In Silver Spring During Pride Month Acts Of Terror: Officials Speaks Out After Signage Damage In Silver Spring During Pride Month
Acts Of Terror: Officials Speaks Out After Signage Damage In Silver Spring During Pride Month Outrage is brewing in a Maryland community after there was a rash of hate crimes in the neighborhood of a prominent LGBTQ+ lawmaker. Some elected officials in Montgomery County are speaking out after there were reports of pride and other inclusivity imagery "desecrated" in what County Council President Evan Glass described as “acts of terror.” On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Police Department reportedly received reports of Pride flags, Ukrainian flags, and inclusive lawn signs in Silver Spring that were vandalized or destroyed. This hate happened in my community. We can’t let them…
Man Who Threatened Merriam-Webster HQ In Springfield Over Definitions Gets Year In Prison Man Who Threatened Merriam-Webster HQ In Springfield Over Definitions Gets Year In Prison
Man Who Threatened Merriam-Webster HQ In Springfield Over Definitions Gets Year In Prison If you look up the word federal prison inmate in the dictionary, you'll find a photo of Jeremy David Hanson.  Jeremy David Hanson, 34, of Rossmoor, California, was sentenced to a year in prison after he admitted to sending threats to Springfield-based Merriam-Webster because he was upset over the dictionary's inclusion of gender-inclusive definitions, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  From Oct. 2 through Oct. 8, 2021, Hanson repeatedly sent threatening messages through the Contact Us page promising to hurt employees and disparaging members of the LGBT community.  …
Man Yells Racial Slur At Restaurant Employee At Bradley Airport, Police Say Man Yells Racial Slur At Restaurant Employee At Bradley Airport, Police Say
Man Yells Racial Slur At Restaurant Employee At Bradley Airport, Police Say A man faces numerous charges after allegedly yelling a racial slur at an employee of a restaurant at Bradley International Airport when they ran out of sandwich bread, police said.  The incident happened on Saturday, April 8 around 6:30 p.m., when state troopers responded to the D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches shop inside the airport terminal on a reported disturbance, according to state police.  Troopers then met with a Black employee of D’Angelo, who said that the eatery had run out of sandwich bread because of an unusually high number of customers during her shift.  When…
Lexington Man Who Hoarded Guns, Nazi, Klan Memorabilia, Admits To Harassing Black Neighbors: DA Lexington Man Who Hoarded Guns, Nazi, Klan Memorabilia, Admits To Harassing Black Neighbors: DA
Lexington Man Who Hoarded Guns, Nazi, Klan Memorabilia, Admits To Harassing Black Neighbors: DA A convicted felon who collected guns, Nazi, Ku Klux Klan, and Confederate Army memorabilia admitted more than 100 crimes, including terrorizing his black neighbors because of their race, authorities said. Police found more than 70 guns in his Lexington home despite his previous felony conviction that barred him from keeping weapons.  Robert Ivarson, age 55, last week pleaded guilty to: 10 counts of possession of an assault weapon 11 counts of possession of a large-capacity weapon 11 counts of possession of a large-capacity feeding device 24 counts of possession of a firearm as an arme…
Catonsville Woman, Neo-Nazi Leader From Florida Plotted To 'Completely Destroy' Baltimore: DOJ Catonsville Woman, Neo-Nazi Leader From Florida Plotted To 'Completely Destroy' Baltimore: DOJ
Catonsville Woman, Neo-Nazi Leader From Florida Plotted To 'Completely Destroy' Baltimore: DOJ Federal officials say that a Catonsville woman and a Neo-Nazi man in Florida conspired to disrupt an energy facility in Maryland in furtherance of their violent extremist beliefs. Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 34, and Orlando resident Brandon Clint Russell, 27, are facing federal charges for coming up with an elaborate plan to “completely destroy the city,” in a move that threatened thousands in Maryland, according to the Department of Justice. “This alleged planned attack threatened lives and would have left thousands of Marylanders in the cold and dark,” Maryland US Attorney Erek L. Barron said…
Child Admits Drawing Swastika On Glen Rock Middle School Desk, Police Chief Says Child Admits Drawing Swastika On Glen Rock Middle School Desk, Police Chief Says
Child Admits Drawing Swastika On Glen Rock Middle School Desk, Police Chief Says UPDATE: A Glen Rock middle school student admitted drawing a swastika on a classroom desk, authorities said. The drawing is apparently an isolated incident, Police Chief Dean Ackermann announced on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17.  The symbol drawn on a desk in a room shared by students from 6th to 8th grade was brought to school officials’ attention by two middle school youngsters on Wednesday, Ackermann said. “Late in the day on Friday it was learned that school officials had identified [a] student who had taken responsibility for the incident, which appears to be isolated,” the chief s…
'Jews Not Welcome' Graffiti Apparently Found At Bethesda High School 'Jews Not Welcome' Graffiti Apparently Found At Bethesda High School
'Jews Not Welcome' Graffiti Apparently Found At Bethesda High School A disturbing antisemitic message was found spray painted at a Bethesda high school, according to Maryland government officials. “Jews not welcome” was found graffitied the morning of Saturday, Dec. 17 at Whitman High School, stated State Delegate-elect Joe Vogel. "The only people not welcome in our community are those who perpetrate these recurring anti-semitic hate crimes that have caused fear and pain", continued Vogel. “Jews not welcome” was found graffitied this morning at Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland.The only people not welcome in our community are those who perpetrat…
Insurance Companies Barred From Canceling, Raising Rates On Hate Crime Victims Under New NY Law Insurance Companies Barred From Canceling, Raising Rates On Hate Crime Victims Under New NY Law
Insurance Companies Barred From Canceling, Raising Rates On Hate Crime Victims Under New NY Law Victims of hate crimes no longer have to fear retaliation from their insurance companies under a new law in New York. On Monday, Dec. 12, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that prohibits insurers in the state from canceling policies or raising premiums on the basis that a claim was filed for a loss resulting from a hate crime. The law also bars insurance companies from refusing to issue a policy or refusing to renew a policy solely on that same basis, Hochul’s office said. It applies to claims that are made against policies during the preceding five years where the individual has provi…
Recovering Skinhead Talks Life As Former White Supremacist In NJ Recovering Skinhead Talks Life As Former White Supremacist In NJ
Recovering Skinhead Talks Life As Former White Supremacist In NJ A former white supremacist is coming to Burlington County to speak against hate crimes, authorities said. Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw invites the public to attend the forum on Friday, Dec. 9, where the BCPO will unveil a new initiative aimed at reducing bias and hate crimes in Burlington County. The event – dubbed “Responding to Hate with Hope” – will feature former skinhead gang member Frank Meeink as the keynote speaker, as well as Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey’s 3rd District.  Meeink's memoir, "Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead," details his transformation,…
Maryland Officials Condemn 'Racist' Vandalism Of Historically Black Church, Suspects On The Run Maryland Officials Condemn 'Racist' Vandalism Of Historically Black Church, Suspects On The Run
Maryland Officials Condemn 'Racist' Vandalism Of Historically Black Church, Suspects On The Run Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has released a statement following the vandalism of a historically black church in Potomac, claiming that the vandals acted in an act of racism.  On the night of Friday, Nov. 25, vandals attacked the Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Church in Potomac, with authorities releasing images of the suspects in an attempt to identify them, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Church VandalsMontgomery County Police "It saddens me greatly that we continue to witness more racist and hate-filled vandalism in our County", stated Elrich. "Throughout our n…
Antisemitic Slur Carved Into Car, Parts Of Home Burned In Stow: Police Antisemitic Slur Carved Into Car, Parts Of Home Burned In Stow: Police
Antisemitic Slur Carved Into Car, Parts Of Home Burned In Stow: Police Authorities in Stow are investigating after several cars and a home were damaged over the weekend in an apparent antisemitic vandalism incident.  Police responded for a report of cars that were damaged at a home on North Shore Drive around 9:42 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, Stow Police Chief Michael Sallese reports. Upon arrival, officers learned that the tires on two cars were slashed and one of them had an antisemitic slur carved into its side. Further investigation revealed that parts of the home were burned as well, Sallese said.  MESSAGES OF HATE: A Stow family woke up to fresh burn m…
Suspect Nabbed In Antisemitic Postings On SUNY Albany Campus Suspect Nabbed In Antisemitic Postings On SUNY Albany Campus
Suspect Nabbed In Antisemitic Postings On SUNY Albany Campus A man suspected of posting antisemitic propaganda on the SUNY Albany campus has been arrested. New York State University Police first reached out to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 26, saying the agency was investigating after stickers containing antisemitic imagery were found posted around the campus. The agency included a surveillance image of the suspect, who is believed to have been involved in similar incidents on campuses elsewhere in the state, police said. On Friday, Oct. 28, police announced that they had arrested the man and thanked the community for its assistance. UPD would…
Medford 20-Year-Old Sentenced For Hate Crimes Targeting Day Laborers, Including Strangulation Medford 20-Year-Old Sentenced For Hate Crimes Targeting Day Laborers, Including Strangulation
Medford 20-Year-Old Sentenced For Hate Crimes Targeting Day Laborers, Including Strangulation A Long Island man who admitted to targeting Hispanic men before bringing them to remote locations and violently attacking them is heading to prison. Christopher Cella, age 20, of Medford, was sentenced to 3 ½ years behind bars Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Suffolk County Court after pleading guilty to multiple hate crimes, including strangulation and assault. Earlier Report: Selden Man Admits To Targeting, Attacking Hispanic Men Cella, who was 19 at the time, was arrested in September 2021 after Suffolk County Police said he lured day laborers into his vehicle on three separate occasions bef…
Killer Who Carried Out 'Atrocious' Attacks On DC's Homeless Indicted On 17 Charges: Feds Killer Who Carried Out 'Atrocious' Attacks On DC's Homeless Indicted On 17 Charges: Feds
Killer Who Carried Out 'Atrocious' Attacks On DC's Homeless Indicted On 17 Charges: Feds The man who went on a shooting spree targeting homeless populations in Washington DC and New York City last march has been indicted on 17 charges including first-degree murder, federal officials said. The indictment charges Gerard Brevard III with “aggravating circumstances,” finding that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. If aggravating circumstances are found by a jury at trial, Brevard faces a maximum of life imprisonment without the possibility of release on the murder charge. The indictment only charges offenses committed in Washington, D.C. Brevard set out on …
Boston Neo-Nazi Group Founder Back In Court As DA's Civil Rights Team Ramps Up Prosecutions Boston Neo-Nazi Group Founder Back In Court As DA's Civil Rights Team Ramps Up Prosecutions
Boston Neo-Nazi Group Founder Back In Court As DA's Civil Rights Team Ramps Up Prosecutions The founder of a Boston-based Neo-Nazi group plans to serve as his own attorney in his trial for allegedly fighting outside of a Drag Queen Story Hour event earlier this summer, authorities said.  Chris Hood, 23, who started the National Social Club 131, returned to court on Monday, Sept. 19, for a pre-trial hearing, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said. Hood's group protested the event in Jamaica Plains on July 23, where they held signs that called the drag queens "pedo scum" and marched in the streets. Police said Hood got into a brawl with counter-protesters outside the Lor…
Howard County Executive Responds To White Power Flyers Distributed At Lake Kittamaqundi Howard County Executive Responds To White Power Flyers Distributed At Lake Kittamaqundi
Howard County Executive Responds To White Power Flyers Distributed At Lake Kittamaqundi Officials are addressing yet another bias incident as hate crimes sweep through Maryland, often sharing the same disturbing message: "white power". After "white power" flyers were found distributed around Lake Kittamaqundi, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released a statement, claiming these crimes are "not an isolated occurrence". In recent days, we have become aware of a Hate Bias Incident that took place at Lake Kittamaqundi over the weekend. @HCPDNews is investigating the incident and has identified similar flyers in various states revealing that this is not an isolated occurren…
Neo-Nazi Protesters Break-Up Story Time Event In Boston, Organizer Says Neo-Nazi Protesters Break-Up Story Time Event In Boston, Organizer Says
Neo-Nazi Protesters Break-Up Story Time Event In Boston, Organizer Says The organizer of a story-time reading series in Boston said she had to cancel Sunday's planned event after Neo-Nazis protested outside.  Patty Bourrée, who hosts a biweekly Drag Queen Story Hour at the Seaport, decided it wasn't safe as many members of NSC-131 stood outside of The Paseo holding derogatory signs that denounced the event, reports said. A phalanx of Boston police officers stood in between them and the doors of the building, photos shows.  "I really hate that I cancelled a story hour today because two protest groups were present, but I can’t put myself (and the kids!) in a pot…
White Supremacist Brawl In Boston Sparks Pushback At DA’s Office White Supremacist Brawl In Boston Sparks Pushback At DA’s Office
White Supremacist Brawl In Boston Sparks Pushback At DA’s Office Police arrested multiple people over the weekend after fights between members of a neo-Nazi group and counter-protesters broke out at a drag queen reading event in Boston. They will be arraigned Monday morning.  Christopher Hood, the founder of NSC-131, a known neo-Nazi group, was arrested for fighting on Saturday outside of the Loring Greenough House in Jamaica Plain after his faction protested a Drag Queen Story Hour. The group wore masks to hide their faces and screamed, "off our streets." They also held a sign calling the people who ran the event "Pedo Scum."  Seth Rosenau, who was coun…
Maryland Man Charged With Bias-Motivated Assaults, Posing As Police In DC Park: DOJ Maryland Man Charged With Bias-Motivated Assaults, Posing As Police In DC Park: DOJ
Maryland Man Charged With Bias-Motivated Assaults, Posing As Police In DC Park: DOJ A Maryland man who posed as a police officer is facing multiple charges for allegedly assaulting multiple men in bias-motivated attacks due to their sexual orientation, federal officials announced. Michael Thomas Pruden, 48, was arrested and charged for several assaults at a popular Washington, DC park, several of which were due to his victims’ perceived sexual orientation, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Specifically, Pruden was charged by a federal grand jury of: Five counts of assault on federal land; Impersonating a federal officer; Hate crimes sentencing enhancement alleging …