LUBBOCK, TX – Emmanuel Quinones, 25, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison Tuesday for brandishing an assault rifle at a Black Lives Matter protest last summer, escalating tensions and sparking fear amongst demonstrators. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, follows a guilty plea to interstate threatening communications entered in September.
The incident unfolded during a protest decrying the death of George Floyd. According to court documents, Quinones arrived at the demonstration armed with a loaded Smith & Wesson .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle. He held the weapon in a “low ready” position – a firing stance with the muzzle pointed downward – causing immediate panic amongst the assembled crowd. While Texas permits open carry, displaying a firearm “in a manner calculated to alarm” is illegal under state law.
Lubbock Police officers on scene immediately ordered Quinones to drop the rifle. He refused, only complying when an officer drew his own weapon and a protestor attempted to tackle him. As he was taken into custody, Quinones reportedly shouted, “this is a revolution” and “President Trump must die.” The entire scene, captured by witnesses and news media, quickly went viral, adding fuel to an already volatile national climate.
Federal prosecutors detailed a pattern of escalating threats leading up to the protest. In a May 28th Facebook post, Quinones allegedly wrote about plans to acquire gun parts “to off racists and MAGA people.” These online statements, combined with his actions at the protest, formed the basis of the interstate threatening communications charge. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Prerak Shah, stated the Department of Justice “stands firmly against anyone and everyone who seeks to instill terror and encourage violence.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation Dallas Field Office, Lubbock Resident Agency, the United States Secret Service, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Dallas Field Division, and the Lubbock Police Department. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno emphasized the importance of protecting First Amendment rights, stating the sentence “swiftly answered” Quinones’ “intimidating and violent behavior.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Haag prosecuted the case. Quinones’ 46-month sentence serves as a stark warning to others considering using intimidation or violence to disrupt lawful protests. The case underscores the federal government’s commitment to pursuing those who attempt to sow discord and threaten public safety, even amidst constitutionally protected demonstrations. This is a developing story and Grimy Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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