Introduction to a Hate Crime Incident
A Grand Prairie woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to drown a 3-year-old Palestinian American Muslim girl last year in an incident police said was motivated by racial bias. Court records and proceedings cited by CBS News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram showed Judge Andy Porter sentenced Elizabeth Wolf, 43, after she pleaded guilty to attempted murder and injury to a child. Wolf was indicted last year after the attack, which was condemned by then-President Joe Biden, and waived a trial by jury.
The Incident
In May 2024, Wolf approached the children’s mother, who is Palestinian and was wearing a hijab, about speaking Arabic and interrogated her about where she was from, The Dallas Morning News reported at the time. She made “racial statements” before grabbing a 6-year-old boy and trying to drown his 3-year-old sister at their apartment complex pool in the 2500 block of State Highway 360 in Euless, police said at the time. The children’s mother jumped into the pool to save her children. The Council on American-Islamic Relations said at the time that the 6-year-old was able to escape but the 3-year-old wasn’t and that Wolf allegedly forced the girl’s head underwater as she grabbed the mother’s head scarf and hit and kicked her. A man intervened to help save the girl, the release said.
Arrest and Charges
Wolf was originally arrested on a public intoxication charge. The charges were raised to attempted capital murder and injury to a child and she was released from the Tarrant County jail on a $40,000 bond. Her bond for the attempted capital murder charge was raised to $1 million, leading to her rearrest. Ahead of the rearrest, the Council on American-Islamic Relations called for law enforcement to investigate the case as a hate crime.
Rising Threats Against American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews
Human rights advocates note rising threats against American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews since the start of Israel’s assault on Gaza after a 2023 Hamas attack. Recent incidents raising anti-Muslim bias concerns include the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy in Illinois, the stabbing of a Palestinian American man in Texas, and a violent mob attack on pro-Palestinian protesters in California. There was also the shooting of two Israeli visitors in Florida whom a suspect mistook for Palestinians and an assault by a pro-Israeli mob in New York City that chanted “Death to Arabs.”
Incidents Raising Alarm Over Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Attitudes
Incidents raising alarm over antisemitism and anti-Israeli attitudes include the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, a Colorado attack that killed one person, and an arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence. These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and action to prevent hate crimes and promote tolerance and understanding.
Conclusion
The incident involving Elizabeth Wolf and the 3-year-old Palestinian American Muslim girl is a disturbing example of the rising threats against American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews. It is essential to recognize the harm caused by hate crimes and to work towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society. By promoting education, awareness, and understanding, we can help prevent such incidents and ensure that everyone feels safe and respected.
FAQs
Q: What was the sentence given to Elizabeth Wolf for attempting to drown a 3-year-old Palestinian American Muslim girl?
A: Elizabeth Wolf was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to drown a 3-year-old Palestinian American Muslim girl.
Q: What motivated the attack, according to the police?
A: The attack was motivated by racial bias, according to the police.
Q: What organization called for law enforcement to investigate the case as a hate crime?
A: The Council on American-Islamic Relations called for law enforcement to investigate the case as a hate crime.
Q: What are some recent incidents that have raised concerns about anti-Muslim bias?
A: Recent incidents include the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy in Illinois, the stabbing of a Palestinian American man in Texas, and a violent mob attack on pro-Palestinian protesters in California.
Q: What can be done to prevent hate crimes and promote tolerance and understanding?
A: Promoting education, awareness, and understanding can help prevent hate crimes and ensure that everyone feels safe and respected.
