A Florida man, Kenneth Pinkney, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for a hate-fueled attack on a Muslim U.S. Postal Service carrier. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced Friday that Pinkney will serve 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis emphasized the importance of safety and respect for all individuals, stating, “No one should live in fear of being targeted because of their religious beliefs. Everyone, including federal employees, has the right to carry out their duties safely.”
The incident occurred on October 9, 2023, shortly after the Hamas militants’ incursion into Israel, which reignited global religious and ethnic tensions. Pinkney exhibited aggressive behavior towards the 47-year-old Muslim postal carrier while she was delivering mail in Broward County.
On October 24, while the woman was on her delivery route, Pinkney approached her on a bicycle, made a hand gesture mimicking a gun, and told her to leave the country. He then tapped the back of her head with two fingers, reinforcing the threatening gesture, and repeatedly told her to “Go back to your country.” The situation escalated when Pinkney grabbed her neck, pulled off her hijab, and physically assaulted her.
The victim managed to establish some distance and attempted to call 911, at which point Pinkney also claimed he would call the authorities. He waited for a few minutes but left before law enforcement arrived. His phone call, however, helped authorities track him down.
During the attack, Pinkney also spat on the victim, called her a “terrorist,” and made other anti-Muslim remarks. The woman was treated for pain and scratches on her face following the assault.
“The FBI is unwavering in our efforts to protect those who are targeted based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status,” said FBI Miami field office Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri. “We will continue to bring those to justice who commit hate crimes.”
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