DOJ accuses racist of burning down church for drag shows

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The Justice Department has charged an Ohio man who allegedly tried to burn down a church because of his homophobic views. Aimenn D. Penny, 20, faces up to 50 years in prison for her actions.

The incident happened on March 25. According to the Department of Justice, Penny threw Molotov cocktails at the Chesterland Community Church in Chesterland, Ohio, after learning that the religious institution was hosting several drag show events the following weekend. The DOJ charged him with violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, using fire to commit a federal crime, maliciously using explosive materials and possessing a destructive device, according to the DOJ. ‘Associated Press.

After the attack, the FBI discovered that Penny was part of a White Lives Matter group that regularly espouses racist, homophobic and pro-Nazi views. He also discovered that on March 11, just two weeks before the Chesterfield church attack, Penny joined other members of the group in protesting a local drag event in Wadsworth, Ohio, according to ABC News. Prosecutors said they showed up carrying flags with swastikas and shouting homophobic slurs. Penny reportedly came dressed in military-style gear and carrying a gun.

An affidavit released March 31 detailed when police interviewed Penny in October 2022 where they first encountered her extreme views. He was handing out racist flyers and told authorities he believed black people were a “problem” and that a race war was brewing. When police raided his home, they found a handwritten manifesto, a Nazi flag and other memorabilia. He also regretted that his Molotov cocktails did not completely burn down the church.

Penny remains in custody before a trial date is set. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars for his violation of the Church Arson Prevention Act, up to 20 years for the malicious use of explosive materials, up to to 10 years for possession of a destructive device charge, and a mandatory 10 years for using fire to commit a federal crime.

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