A white neighbor who fired a gun at a Black Michigan family’s home and vandalized their vehicle told a judge Monday he did it because he did not like the Black Lives Matter sign in their window.
“I targeted these people because I didn’t like their political sign that they had in the window,” Michael Frederick, Jr. told a judge. “I think you guys are some great people and didn’t deserve this at all.”
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Prosecutors said the 25-year-old man also slashed the Back family’s tires and wrote racist graffiti on the truck.
Last September, investigators found evidence of bullets fired at the Halls’ Warren, Michigan home. Days later, the Black family discovered a swastika painted on their truck, along with slashed tires and a shattered front window. The culprit had also painted “terrorist Black Lives Matter,” “not welcome,” and another offensive slur on the vehicle.
Investigators said Frederick fired another shot through the front window of the Halls’ home.
In July, Frederick had pleaded no contest to multiple charges, but the court sentenced Frederick to four to 10 years in prison this week, The Macomb Daily reported.
Despite the intimidating attacks, family members said their faith allowed them to show compassion.
“I’m not angry. I’m not. I’m forgiving,” said Candace Hall during the man’s sentencing. “You’re a good kid and have a chance. You made a bad choice, and we understand that. We have children ourselves. We’re not hateful people; we’re Christians.”
Hall said despite the “evil, hateful act,” it brought the neighborhood “together will love,” including Frederick’s parents.
“I wish I was as good as people as you,” Judge Diane Druzinski told the family of their forgiveness.
Frederick also faced charges of vandalizing another neighbor’s home over a sign displayed for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden.
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