MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – A brutal hate crime shook the community in Minneapolis, Minnesota, leaving a Black man injured outside of a local bar. The suspect, 35-year-old Justin Anthony Kudla, has been charged with federal hate crime offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
On February 3, 2024, Kudla allegedly used force or the threat of force to injure, intimidate, and interfere with the victim – a Black man identified in the indictment as Victim 1 – because of Victim 1’s race, color, religion and/or national origin, and because Victim 1 was enjoying the goods, services, and accommodations of a local bar. The indictment also charges Kudla with willfully causing bodily injury to Victim 1 because of Victim 1’s actual and perceived race.
The indictment charges Kudla with one count of interference with federally protected activities and one count of hate crime. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
If convicted of the hate crime offenses, Kudla faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each offense and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, with assistance from the Belle Plaine Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gilead for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The community is still reeling from the incident, with many calling for increased measures to prevent hate crimes and protect the rights of marginalized communities.
Defendant: Justin Anthony Kudla
Criminal Charges: Interference with federally protected activities, Hate crime
City and State: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date: February 3, 2024
Sentence: Maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each offense and a fine of up to $250,000
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Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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