Florida man receives a three-year federal prison sentence for assaulting postal carrier wearing a hijab

Kenneth Pinkney, a Florida man, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for a hate-motivated attack on a Muslim U.S. Postal Service carrier in Broward County. Pinkney aggressively confronted the carrier, making anti-Muslim comments and gesturing as if he had a gun. He physically assaulted the victim, pulling off her hijab and calling her a terrorist. The FBI tracked him down after Pinkney called 911 during the attack. The victim suffered pain and scratches on her face. Pinkney was charged with a hate crime and pleaded guilty to the attack. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that everyone has the right to carry out their duties safely, regardless of their religious beliefs. The FBI stated that they are committed to protecting individuals targeted based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status. Pinkney’s lawyer did not immediately comment on the sentencing. The victim’s identity was not revealed. Overall, the incident highlights the importance of combating hate crimes and ensuring the safety of all individuals, particularly those in vulnerable positions like postal carriers.

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