Oklahoma City Hate Crime Case Ends in Plea Deal

Hate Crime Plea Deal Brings Prison Sentence

An Oklahoma City man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors in connection with a 2023 hate crime attack. Court records show 28-year-old Braden Birdsong admitted responsibility for a racially motivated assault outside a local restaurant.

Prosecutors say Birdsong attacked a Black male employee in the restaurant’s parking lot while shouting racial slurs and anti-Black rhetoric during the assault.

Prosecutors Emphasize Accountability

The plea deal avoids a trial while still securing a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors said the case met the legal standard for a hate crime because the attack was motivated by race and accompanied by explicit verbal threats.

Victim advocates say hate crime prosecutions are critical to sending a message that racially motivated violence will not be tolerated.

Broader Context of Hate Crime Enforcement

Law enforcement officials note that hate crime cases often require extensive investigation due to the burden of proving intent. The sentencing follows growing attention nationwide on prosecuting bias-motivated crimes.

Birdsong will serve his sentence in the state prison system. No further court proceedings are scheduled in the case.

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