Dallas Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crimes and Murder

A Dallas man, Anthony Paz Torres, admitted guilt on Thursday for committing five federal hate crimes dating back to 2015. These crimes are linked to a tragic event when he opened fire on Muslims at a Texas auto repair shop, resulting in the death of one person and injuring four others.

Torres, 38, also confessed to using a firearm to commit the murder, as confirmed by the Department of Justice.

Background

The incident unfolded on December 24, 2015, just a few days after Torres visited Omar’s Wheels and Tires in Dallas. During that visit, he made derogatory remarks targeting Muslims and threatened to come back.

The Shooting

On Christmas Eve, when Torres returned to the auto shop, he reportedly asked customers whether they were Muslim before indiscriminately opening fire on both customers and employees.

During the shooting, a 25-year-old man tragically lost his life. Fortunately, an armed witness at the scene managed to fire back, injuring Torres.

Arrest

Following the incident, Torres fled to a nearby hospital. Dallas police promptly apprehended him there.

Condemnation and Justice

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division strongly condemned the attack. She stated, “Acts of Islamophobic violence causing death and injury have no place in our country and contradict our American values. This defendant is being held accountable for a violent and deadly hate-driven shooting targeting innocent Muslim Americans. The Justice Department is committed to confronting biased violence and ready to prosecute those who target victims based on their religion.”

Sentencing

Anthony Paz Torres is set to receive his sentencing on January 24. As part of the plea agreement, he could face a maximum prison term of up to 37 years, with credit for time already served.