Birdsong Admits Racist Attack in OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY – A brutal, racially-motivated assault landed BRADEN BIRDSONG, 28, of Oklahoma City, in federal court today, where he admitted to committing a federal hate crime. Birdsong pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Bernard M. Jones, bringing a measure of accountability for a vicious attack fueled by bigotry.

The incident unfolded on August 25, 2023, as the victim, identified as D.G., a Black man, was simply doing his job – cleaning the parking lot of an Oklahoma City restaurant. According to court documents, Birdsong launched into a hateful tirade, unleashing racial slurs and anti-Black rhetoric before repeatedly punching D.G. in the head. The attack left D.G. with bodily injuries, a clear demonstration of the violence that festers beneath the surface of hate.

Birdsong didn’t attempt to hide his motive. He explicitly admitted in court today that he targeted D.G. because of his race and color. This wasn’t a random act of violence; it was a calculated assault driven by prejudice. The Justice Department is sending a clear message: such behavior will not be tolerated.

Now, Birdsong faces the consequences. He’s looking at a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. While no sentence can fully undo the harm caused, it’s a step toward justice for D.G. and a deterrent to others who might consider acting on their hateful impulses. Judge Jones will determine the final sentence after reviewing U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors at a later hearing. Birdsong will remain in federal custody until then.

The investigation was led by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry of the Western District of Oklahoma, alongside Trial Attorneys Laura Gilson and Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, spearheading the prosecution. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma jointly announced the guilty plea.

Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office emphasized the FBI’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. This case serves as a stark reminder that hate-fueled violence has no place in our society, and those who perpetrate it will be held accountable under federal law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves toward sentencing.

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