Florida Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Against Muslim Postal Carrier

Kenneth Pinkney, a 47-year-old resident of Fort Lauderdale, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for a hate-motivated assault against a Muslim U.S. Postal Service carrier. The incident occurred in October, shortly after escalating violence in Israel and Gaza, and involved Pinkney targeting the victim, who was wearing a hijab while on her delivery route in Broward County, Florida. Following his prison term, Pinkney will also serve three years of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida reported that Pinkney approached the victim while riding a bicycle, making a hand gesture resembling a gun aimed at her. Initially, the postal worker thought he needed assistance, but the situation escalated when Pinkney verbally assaulted her, telling her to "go back to your country" and physically attacked her by grabbing her neck and pulling off her hijab. The assault was corroborated by an affidavit from an FBI special agent. During the confrontation, Pinkney allegedly struck the victim multiple times and spat on her, while also making derogatory comments. The victim managed to distance herself and threatened to call 911, prompting Pinkney to do the same, which ultimately led to his arrest. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis emphasized the importance of protecting individuals from hate crimes, stating that everyone has the right to perform their duties without fear of being targeted due to their religious beliefs.