Aimenn D. Penny pleaded guilty Monday to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act by trying to burn down a church in Ohio over its hosting of drag show events, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The 20-year-old offender had prepared Molotov cocktails and drove to the Community Church of Chesterland to burn it down in late March, the DOJ wrote in a press release. The church was planning to host two “drag events” the forthcoming weekend, according to the department. (RELATED: Churches Embrace Pride Month With Drag Queen Story Hour, Queer Proms And Gay Concerts)
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Burn Down a Church that Planned to Host Drag Show Events
Full Release: https://t.co/IJLQ8yJ20x pic.twitter.com/unh7s6EALp
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) October 24, 2023
“There is no room in this country for such bias-motivated violence and terror, and the Justice Department will continue to protect all Americans in their free exercise of religious beliefs by vigorously prosecuting those who target houses of worship. Our churches should be safe havens for all people, not sites subjected to violence motivated by hate and vitriol,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Clarke also called the arson attempt “reprehensible.” Penny’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2024, the press release reads. He faces up to 30 years in jail for his actions.
Police arrested Penny for the attempted arson March 31, according to a separate DOJ press release. The FBI seized neo-Nazi memorabilia from Penny’s home, Cleveland.com reported. Investigators also found Penny had a history of making neo-Nazi and white supremacist statements, according to the outlet.