KANSAS CITY, MO – Sean Walter Tonkin, a 36-year-old Florida resident, faces federal hate crime charges following a racially charged, fatal attack on Jon Rone Jr., 42, in Kansas City, Missouri.
The incident occurred just before 2:30 p.m. on July 4 outside the Liquor Land gas station. Prosecutors report that Tonkin used racial slurs and threats before stabbing Rone twice in the chest and abdomen. Tonkin was apprehended a few miles from the scene, allegedly in possession of a bloody folding knife with an American flag on the handle, as reported by The Kansas City Star.
Initially, Jackson County prosecutors charged Tonkin with misdemeanor disturbing the peace and methamphetamine possession, leading to public outcry from Rone’s family. Mike Mansur, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, stated in a July 24 article in The Star that additional state charges were being considered while examining the details of the incident and Missouri’s self-defense laws.
Mansur emphasized the office’s strong condemnation of the racial language used and noted that the charges filed address the racist comments made directly to Rone. However, the office awaits the federal government’s review before moving forward with other charges.
Rone’s sister expressed her anguish over the situation, citing a witness account that indicated Tonkin’s aggressive intent. According to her, a witness heard Tonkin ask if she wanted to see him assault a Black person.
Rone, remembered in his obituary as a father of two who enjoyed football, basketball, cutting hair, and rapping, is mourned by his family and community.