A Michigan prosecutor cannot pursue charges after a Ku Klux Klan flag was hung next to a Black family’s home.
According to NBC, a prosecutor could not press charges against a suburban Detroit man who placed a Ku Klux Klan flag in his window next to a Black family that lives next door. On Tuesday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the “horrible conduct” doesn’t violate Michigan law. Michigan does not have any laws that would protect people of color from these sorts of incidents.
Worthy, a Black man, said that ethnic intimidation – which is against Michigan law – would include physical contact, property damage, or threatening activity. “I strongly encourage the Michigan Legislature to look, revise and create laws to protect citizens from this kind of horrible conduct.”
The incident happened last week, and 57-year-old JeDonna Dinges says she can see the flag hanging from the neighbor’s window from her dining room. City Manager, Nick Sizeland, told Detroit Free Press that the flag has since been removed after police with large cloths visited the home and switched it out, NBC reports. Dinges also mentioned she was concerned for her safety after finding a gas inside her outdoor recycling bin.
The KKK supporter’s girlfriend claimed they couldn’t afford a curtain. “There is absolutely no question that what happened to Ms. Dinges was despicable, traumatizing and completely unacceptable,” Worthy said. “But, very unfortunately in my view, not a crime. The KKK flag, while intending to be visible to Ms. Dinges, was hanging inside of her neighbor’s house.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Dinges says she understands Worthy’s position. “I hope the lawmakers are listening. … The average person would not own a klan flag, which is a true symbol of hatred,” Dinges said. Dinges’ community took to the streets and protested on Feb. 21 in support of her and her family.
Dinges is also the same woman that reported this very same neighbor for shooting a gun in his backyard multiple times. She called the police, but the police didn’t come to check on Dinges until the next day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiflS-r36lE
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