Federal officials stated that a Dallas man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal hate crime charges arising from a fatal shooting at a car repair shop.
Anthony Paz Torres, 38, pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts for killing one individual and attempting to kill four others during a shooting at Omar’s Wheels and Tires in Dallas, Texas, on Dec. 24, 2015.
Torres also pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm to commit the murder.
According to documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, Torres’ shooting spree came a few days after he had gone to the business, made anti-Muslim statements and pledged that he would come back.
When he returned a few days later, Torres asked customers if they were Muslim and then opened fire on the customers and employees present in the shop.
Torres killed one individual and attempted to kill four other individuals with his firearm.
“This defendant specifically targeted a business’s employees and customers simply because of religion. Tragically, his actions resulted in the death of an innocent person and injuries to others,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas. “Religious hatred, including anti-Muslim bigotry, has no place in America. And when that bigotry crosses the line into violence, we will not hesitate to hold perpetrators to account.”
Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Dallas Field Office, said: “Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim, but they are also meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community. The FBI actively works with our law enforcement partners to investigate hate crimes and achieve justice for victims impacted by violence. We will continue to pursue anyone that commits violent, hateful acts against any member of our community.”
Torres’ sentencing is set for Jan. 24, 2024. According to the plea agreement’s terms, he faces up to 37 years in prison.
The FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting this case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.