FLORIDA
(CBS File Story)
A man admitted that he left a voicemail message for the Islamic Center of Greater Miami in February that threatened to shoot congregants, according to authorities.
During the plea hearing, officials said Gerald Wallace admitted that on the evening of Feb. 19, he left a hate-filled and profanity-laden message against Islam, the prophet Mohammed, and the Koran, during which he threatened to go to the mosque.
He stated, “I’m gonna shoot all y’all.” He also admitted that by leaving this threatening message, he obstructed congregants who worship at the Islamic Center from freely exercising their religious beliefs, according to officials.
Wallace pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by making the threatening call.
Wallace is facing up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his guilty plea to the hate crime charge. Sentencing is set for Jan. 17, according to authorities.
“The Justice Department will not tolerate threats of hate violence, which threaten whole communities’ sense of safety and security,” said John Gore, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division.
“Hate crimes, no matter their form, engender fear and have no place in our society,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg.