(MIAMI, FL, 8/12/2024) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today welcomed the federal court sentencing of a Florida man who attacked a Muslim female U.S. Postal Service worker.
On October 24, 2023, Kenneth Pinkney approached the victim—who was in her Postal Service uniform and operating a marked truck—and tore off her hijab (Islamic head scarf), slapped, and punched her in the face. This attack caused the victim to bleed from her mouth and left scratches on her face. Pinkney also attempted to grab her leg as she tried to get back into the USPS truck. Pinkney was charged with battery and a hate crime based on “prejudicial comments on the victim’s ancestry, religion, and national origin.”
Kenneth Pinkney, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal employee. The case included a sentencing enhancement based on a finding that hate was a motivating factor. Pinkney was ordered to serve 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
SEE: Florida man who attacked a postal carrier in a hijab gets 3 years in federal prison
SEE: Florida man sentenced for hate crime attack on Muslim postal worker
SEE: Man charged with hate crime after tearing off postal worker’s hijab in Fort Lauderdale
CAIR-Florida Media and Outreach Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz stated:
“We are pleased to know that justice was served in this horrendous hate crime against a hijab-wearing Muslim woman. This dangerous, convicted criminal will have some time to meditate on his cowardly crime and get educated on how Muslim women deserve to be respected, protected, and honored for the services they provide to our community and country.”
Ruiz added: “CAIR-Florida and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.”
About CAIR-Florida:
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media and Outreach Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749, E: [email protected]
