In a chilling case of racial violence, a Minnesota man is facing federal hate crime charges for an alleged assault that left a Black man with life-threatening injuries. Prosecutors say Justin Kudla used racial slurs and physical force to attack Benjamin Morelock at a bar in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, in February 2024. The altercation, federal officials assert, was fueled by racial animus.
The incident unfolded after Kudla reportedly used a racial epithet toward Morelock, according to witness accounts. He then struck Morelock in the face, rendering him unconscious for 20 minutes. Bar staff escorted Morelock home, but days later, a concerned employee visited him to discover he was slipping in and out of consciousness. She rushed him to a local hospital, where his injuries were determined to be severe. Morelock was later transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where he was treated for brain bleeding, clots, and swelling.
Morelock’s recovery journey has been arduous but is supported by a successful GoFundMe campaign. Created by Danielle Pilacinski, the bar employee who found Morelock unresponsive, the fundraiser has helped alleviate the burden of his medical bills. Pilacinski expressed gratitude for the support, writing, “This will be a long road, but we see the light FINALLY.” Morelock’s family remains hopeful about his continued progress.
Kudla’s legal troubles extend beyond this incident. He has been charged with interfering with federally protected activities and committing a hate crime. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for each count and fines of up to $250,000. The Department of Justice emphasized the gravity of the charges, underscoring the need to combat racially motivated violence.
This case adds to the broader discourse on racial violence and justice in the United States. As the legal proceedings unfold, the attack on Morelock serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring impact of hate crimes on individuals and communities alike.
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