Last week we reported an anti-gay attack that occurred at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. On Wednesday, we found out that the man will be facing a $1,000 fine and no jail time. From LonestarQ:
DFW Airport police released their report Tuesday on the arrest of a man who attacked other passengers in an apparent anti-gay hate crime on Oct. 23 near Gate C-30.
After the man assaulted two people while yelling anti-gay epithets, other passengers tackled him to the ground before police arrived. Video of the attack filmed by a bystander went viral after being posted online.
According to the report obtained by Lone Star Q, the man’s name is McCleish Christmas Benham, 27. He is currently charged with public intoxication and simple assault, both class-C misdemeanors each punishable by a maximum $500 fine, but no jail time.
However, if prosecutors choose to utilize Texas? hate crimes law, they could enhance the assault charge to a class-B misdemeanor. Class-B misdemeanors are punishable by 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine per offense.
Here are some of the slurs that the belligerent man was shouting. From our original story:
?Queers!? the man who hates on pink shirts says. ?That’s what I’m upset about. This faggot right here.?
The attacker then tells the man in the pink shirt to ?shove it up your a**, man, and see how that feels. You might get tickled.? The attacker then does a little cute twist and kicks the victim square in the nuts (I tried to think of a more ladylike way to say that, but well?.). He kicked him hard.
“I punched him square in the f**cking mouth is what I did. You know the reason why I did? Cuz this is America, that’s why. The same reason you get to live and breathe and walk black. You know what I’m talking about.”
Scroll down to see the video and the police report. Now tell me this….how in the world is this punishable by only a $1,000 fine and no jail time? ?This man is dangerous.
Here is the full police report.
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Tiffany Willis is a fifth-generation Texan and the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
