Kentucky Man Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges for Threatening Palestinian American

Melvin P. Litteral III allegedly used a loaded gun to intimidate the victim, highlighting a rise in Islamophobic incidents in the U.S.

The incident occurred in late March at a local restaurant, where the victim, identified as O.S., was threatened.
Litteral faces charges of both a hate crime and firearm offenses, with potential penalties including up to 10 years in prison.
Human rights groups have documented increasing Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Recent alarming incidents include stabbings and shootings targeting Palestinian Americans, reflecting broader societal tensions.
The FBI Louisville Field Office is leading the investigation, with prosecution handled by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.