Gill Parker Payne, Assault, New Mexico 2015

ALBUQUERQUE – Gill Parker Payne, 37, of Gastonia, North Carolina, has pleaded guilty to using force or threat of force to intentionally obstruct a Muslim woman, identified as K.A., in the free exercise of her religious beliefs.

According to court documents, on Dec. 11, 2015, Payne and K.A. were on board a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago to Albuquerque, New Mexico. K.A. was wearing a religious headscarf, known as a hijab. Payne was seated several rows behind K.A. on the airplane, and did not know her.

Payne admitted that he saw that K.A. was wearing a hijab and was aware that it is a religious practice of Muslim women to wear a headscarf. Shortly before landing, but while still in-flight, he walked up the aisle to where K.A. was sitting and stopped next to her seat.

Payne proceeded to tell K.A. to take off her hijab, stating something to the effect of, “Take it off! This is America!” Payne then grabbed the back of the hijab and pulled it all the way off, leaving K.A.’s entire head exposed. As a result, K.A. felt violated and quickly pulled the hijab back up and covered her head again.

“No matter one’s faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Using or threatening force against individuals because of their religion is an affront to the fundamental values of this nation, and the Civil Rights Division will continue to be vigilant in protecting the religious liberties guaranteed to all Americans.”

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Vierbuchen of the District of New Mexico and Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

Gill Parker Payne faces the consequences of his actions, and his guilty plea serves as a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our nation. The people of New Mexico deserve to feel safe and respected, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect their rights.

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