Conviction of Texas Man Associated with Neo-Nazi Group
Introduction to the Case
NASHVILLE — A Texas man associated with a neo-Nazi group was convicted Wednesday of posting threats to lynch and kill Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk after another group member was charged with attacking a downtown bar worker.
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Conviction and Charges
David Aaron Bloyed, 60, of Frost — a town of several hundred people about 55 miles south of Dallas in Navarro County — was found guilty by a federal jury in Nashville of one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. He faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.
Bloyed was found to have posted a photograph of Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji finger pointed toward Funk’s image. A second post included a drawing of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrase, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today.” Both included swastika symbols.
Background of the Incident
Funk was targeted after a group of white supremacist, antisemitic and neo-Nazi provocateurs came to Nashville last summer and began livestreaming antics for shock value — waving swastika flags through crowded streets, singing hate songs on the downtown courthouse steps, and even briefly disrupting a Metropolitan Council meeting.
At one point, a fight broke out between a bar worker and a member of the group, who used a metal flagpole with a swastika affixed to the top to hit the employee. The group member was charged with aggravated assault. The bar worker also was charged.
Reaction to the Verdict
“Antisemitic hate has no place in Nashville or anywhere, and this verdict shows these hateful threats for what they are: a crime,” Acting U.S. Attorney Robert McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee, said in a news release.
The conviction is a significant step in combating hate crimes and promoting a safer and more inclusive community.
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Crime in The News
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Conclusion
The conviction of David Aaron Bloyed serves as a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated and that the law will hold individuals accountable for their actions. It is essential to promote a culture of acceptance, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was David Aaron Bloyed convicted of?
A: David Aaron Bloyed was convicted of one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce.
Q: What were the threats made against?
A: The threats were made against Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk.
Q: What is the maximum sentence Bloyed faces?
A: Bloyed faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.
Q: What group was Bloyed associated with?
A: Bloyed was associated with a neo-Nazi group.
