Braden Birdsong, Hate Crime Violation, Oklahoma 2024

Hate Crime Lands Oklahoma City Man 10 Years in Prison

A violent attack driven by hate has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a 28-year-old Oklahoma City man. Braden Birdsong, 28, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to a federal hate crime violation.

According to court documents, on August 25, 2023, Birdsong attacked a Black man, D.G., while he was cleaning the parking lot of the Oklahoma City restaurant at which he worked. Birdsong used racial slurs and other anti-Black rhetoric as he punched D.G. in the head multiple times, resulting in bodily injury.

Birdsong admitted that he assaulted D.G. because of his race and color. The attack was met with swift justice, with Birdsong being held accountable for his actions. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester said, “This defendant’s actions were driven by hate and resulted in a violent attack against a victim targeted simply because of his race. Crimes motivated by hate threaten the safety and dignity of our communities and will be met with firm accountability.”

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne prosecuting the case. The sentence is a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated and that those who commit such crimes will face severe consequences.

Birdsong, a white man, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his role in the hate crime violation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of hate crimes in our society.

The case is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement to protecting the rights of all individuals and holding those who commit hate crimes accountable. The Justice Department remains dedicated to enforcing federal civil rights laws and protecting individuals from hate-based violence.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Braden Birdsong, Charges: Federal Hate Crime Violation, City and State: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Date: August 25, 2023, Sentence: 120 months in federal prison.

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