Charlotte, North Carolina.Federal prosecutors said Friday that a 31-year-old man from North Carolina has been charged with federal civil rights and firearms offenses for allegedly threatening eight people with a pistol at a restaurant in Charlotte due to their national origin, race, color, and religion.
The Western District of North Carolina unsealed a three-count indictment against Maurice Hopkins. Prosecutors claim that on June 8, 2024, Hopkins threatened to use force against patrons of Zambies Pizza while brandishing a weapon inside the establishment.
Two civil rights breaches are included in the indictment. According to the first complaint, Hopkins used threats of force to prevent the patrons from enjoying the restaurant’s products and services because of their national origin, race, color, and religion. According to the second complaint, Hopkins tried to coerce the people into not using their federally guaranteed housing rights by intimidating them. Hopkins is accused of using and brandishing a firearm during a violent offense on the third count.
In addition to the obligatory minimum sentence for the guns offense, Hopkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each civil rights violation if found guilty.
The Charlotte Field Office of the FBI looked into the case. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division said in a statement that the Justice Department is dedicated to prosecuting anyone who attempt to cause harm to others on the basis of their race, religion, or national origin.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Daniel Grunert and Chloe Neely of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the Western District of North Carolina.
The indictment highlights federal efforts to combat threats motivated by hate and guarantee everyone’s civil rights are protected.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
