A Nashville man will face justice for a heinous hate crime committed against a family of Muslim descent.
Christopher Beckham, 35, of Nashville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2017, when Beckham confronted two young girls who were walking home from school and violently attacked their father because of their religion. Beckham yelled ‘Allahu Akbar!’ and ‘Go back to your country!’ before swinging a knife and punching at the girls’ father.
When the girls’ mother arrived on the scene with her young child, Beckham chased after them with his knife still drawn. He later called the family ‘terrorists,’ made derogatory comments, and pledged to kill them when released from police custody.
Beckham admitted to carrying out the assault because of the actual and perceived religion and national origin of the victims, believing them to be Muslim and of a nationality other than American.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Beth Myers of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Michael Songer of the Civil Rights Division.
Beckham will be sentenced on Oct. 7, 2021, after pleading guilty to the federal hate crime. The incident highlights the devastating impact of hate crimes on families and communities, and the need for continued vigilance and prosecution of such violent acts.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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