CHARLOTTE, N.C.
Maurice Hopkins, 32, of Mt. Holly, pleaded guilty in federal court to a civil rights violation after threatening eight people at a Charlotte pizza restaurant because of their race, religion, color, and national origin.
According to arrest warrants, Hopkins went into the store and started making racial comments to a group of Indian patrons. An unnamed person intervened and asked him to leave, to which Hopkins said they would have to call the police to make him leave.
Hopkins said he “had something for them” and was going to “grab his AR,” the warrants say. He then left. When Hopkins came back in a Toyota Corolla, someone outside spotted him with an assault rifle, and the bystander ran to distract Hopkins from going inside. Hopkins then pointed the gun at the person. He said, “No, I’m back for my pizza; now give me my (expletive) pizza” while gesturing with the rifle toward the store.
Hopkins admitted in court that he targeted the victims while they were using the restaurant’s services. He pleaded guilty to one count of interference with federally protected activities, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. Hopkins remains in custody; a sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller and DOJ Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Chloe Neely are prosecuting.