South Florida Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Against Postal Worker
- A man in South Florida received a three-year sentence for attacking a Muslim postal worker.
- The assault involved an attempt to remove her hijab, highlighting issues of hate and discrimination.
- This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in the U.S.
MIAMI (AP) — Kenneth Pinkney, a 47-year-old man from Fort Lauderdale, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for a hate-fueled attack on a Muslim U.S. Postal Service worker. The sentencing took place in Miami federal court on Friday, following Pinkney's guilty plea in April for assaulting a federal employee, which included a hate crime enhancement. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis condemned hate crimes, emphasizing their detrimental impact on community diversity and the importance of ensuring safety for individuals regardless of their religious beliefs. The incident occurred on October 9, 2023, shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel. The victim reported that she noticed Pinkney observing her in a threatening manner while she was on her mail delivery route. As the month progressed, Pinkney escalated his behavior, making derogatory remarks and labeling her a terrorist. The situation culminated in a physical assault when Pinkney attacked the mail carrier inside her postal truck, attempting to remove her hijab, a traditional head covering for many Muslim women. During the struggle, the victim managed to defend herself, tearing Pinkney's shirt and escaping the assault. Authorities reported that she sustained scratches on her face from the encounter. Following the attack, Pinkney fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding hate crimes and the safety of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the community.