A federal jury has handed down a verdict in the case of John Russell Howald, a resident of Basin, Montana, who has been convicted of a hate crime and firearms charges. The Department of Justice announced that Howald was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his attempt to “rid a town of LGBTQ+ residents” by shooting into a home. The victim, a woman known as lesbian within the community, narrowly escaped harm. Howald’s actions, fueled by hatred and intolerance, have been condemned by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who emphasized the significance of holding him accountable for his horrific attempted mass shooting targeting the LGBTQI+ community.
Armed with a disturbing arsenal comprising two assault rifles, a hunting rifle, two pistols, and multiple high-capacity magazines, Howald targeted the victim’s residence. After firing multiple rounds into her home, he proceeded further into town with the intention of targeting others he perceived to be lesbian, queer, or gay. This heinous act, described by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Director Steven Dettelbach as distinctly un-American, aimed to instill fear and terrorize an entire community solely based on their sexual orientation. Fortunately, brave residents who encountered Howald on his rampage managed to delay him until law enforcement arrived.
The aftermath of this devastating incident has left the victim, her family, and the entire community deeply affected. Despite the irreparable harm and trauma caused, Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office assures the public that the FBI remains dedicated to protecting the civil rights of all individuals. Gibson acknowledged that while bigotry and hate unfortunately persist within our communities, violence driven by such biases will not be tolerated in a diverse nation like ours. The sentencing of Howald stands as a resolute message against acts of violence motivated by hatred and discrimination.
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