A Warren, Michigan man has admitted to defacing a predominantly Black church in Roseville, Michigan. David Bluer, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of damaging religious property after spray-painting swastikas and the word "die" on the church due to the race and color of its congregation and pastor.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison alongside Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Chevoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the FBI.
Bluer's actions took place in October 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison for his crime. "Today’s guilty plea should send a clear message that our office will aggressively protect our district’s houses of worship, including against attacks motivated by race and color," stated U.S. Attorney Ison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that "racially motivated crimes have no place in our society," noting that hate crimes aim to instill fear within communities. She added that the Justice Department is committed to protecting communities from such violence.
Chevoryea Gibson highlighted the FBI's role in addressing civil rights violations: “David Bluer's guilty plea to a hate crime for defacing a predominantly Black church underscores the FBI's steadfast commitment... This targeted criminal act... highlights the FBI's dedication to safeguarding faith-based communities in Michigan."
Bluer is set for sentencing on March 19, 2025. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson and Trial Attorney Erin Monju from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.