CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 31-year-old North Carolina man has been indicted on federal civil rights and firearms charges for allegedly threatening eight individuals with a firearm at a Charlotte restaurant because of their race, color, religion, and national origin, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
Maurice Hopkins was charged in a three-count indictment unsealed in the Western District of North Carolina. Prosecutors allege that on June 8, 2024, Hopkins brandished a firearm inside Zambies Pizza and used threats of force against the individuals, who were enjoying the restaurant’s services.
The indictment includes two civil rights violations. The first charge accuses Hopkins of using threats of force to interfere with the individuals’ enjoyment of the goods and services of the restaurant due to their race, color, religion, and national origin. The second charge alleges that Hopkins attempted to intimidate the individuals to prevent them from exercising their federally protected housing rights. The third count charges Hopkins with using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
If convicted, Hopkins faces up to 10 years in prison for each civil rights violation, in addition to a mandatory minimum sentence for the firearms charge.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office. “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who seek to harm others because of their race, religion, or national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division in a statement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorneys Daniel Grunert and Chloe Neely of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The indictment underscores federal efforts to address hate-motivated threats and ensure the protection of civil rights for all.