Man accused of anti-Muslim hate crime breaks down in tears

PORTLAND, Ore. – A man arrested last Friday for anti-Muslim hate crimes broke down in tears and expressed regret after his court arraignment Monday morning.

Frederick Nolan Sorrell, 49, was accused of second-degree intimidation after a Muslim couple was allegedly subjected to slurs and intimidation May 29.

Sorrell reportedly drove next to the couple for more than 20 blocks, according to a statement from The Oregon Committee of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

CAIR said he reportedly attempted to hit their vehicle several times and shouted "take off the (expletive) burka, this is America, go back to your (expletive) country" before mimicking firing a handgun pointed at the couple.

Sorrell, who made bail, pled not guilty Monday. He will be back in court again in August. He's also not allowed to go on Facebook anymore, according to the judge, where he made several discriminatory comments. Portland police said Sorrell threatened a Muslim using words and hand gestures during the incident in May.

Sorrell says he was waving his hand and pointing his finger, but not making a gun gesture.

“I never tried to run into them. I was just going to work. I never tried to follow them. I never tried to make contact with them after the fact,” Sorrell said in tears outside the Multnomah County courtroom. He did admit to yelling at the couple.

“I guess my fear and paranoia, I just yelled out. I don’t go on social media looking to hate on people," he said. "I guess my ignorance and my stupidity is why I opened my mouth, and I shouldn’t have and I claim full responsibility.”

“I don’t know who you are. I’m sorry I blurted out what I blurted out, my paranoia my fear. I don’t hate you I don’t know you,” Sorrell said. “I don’t wish death upon these people.”

more + video
http://www.kgw.com/news/crime/man-charged-with-hate-crime-after-threatening-muslim-police-say/455200289