Florida Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Hate-Motivated Assault on Muslim Postal Worker

A man from Florida was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for a hate-motivated assault on a Muslim U.S. Postal Service carrier wearing a hijab. The incident occurred in October, shortly after violence in Israel and Gaza.

Details of the Incident

The assailant, 47-year-old Kenneth Pinkney from Fort Lauderdale, pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal employee, with a hate crime enhancement. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida announced that Pinkney was ordered to serve 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis emphasized that no one should fear being targeted due to their religious beliefs, asserting that everyone, including federal employees, has the right to perform their duties safely. The lawyer representing Pinkney did not respond to requests for comment following the sentencing.

Impact on the Victim

Prosecutors revealed that the 47-year-old victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was wearing a hijab while delivering mail in Broward County, South Florida. A hijab is a religious head covering worn by some Muslim women in public. The incident highlights the challenges faced by individuals due to their religious attire, especially in public service roles.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding equal treatment and respect for individuals, irrespective of their religious practices, in all spheres of public life.