An armed robber wearing a “Day of the Dead”-type mask, who held up a Wells Fargo Bank, may be charged with cultural appropriation, in addition to bank robbery.
According to a press release by the Santa Monica Police Department, on Sept. 10, a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a skull mask similar to one that represents the Mexican holiday, entered a Wells Fargo location in the beachside Los Angeles suburb.
Holding a shotgun, the man demanded cash in amounts varying between $3,000 and $5,000, and ran, jumping an 8-foot fence outside. According to the Santa Monica Observer, a witness said the robber jumped into a red SUV waiting in an alley.
Eighty police officers from neighboring towns Beverly Hills and Inglewood and from Los Angles county, including the sheriff’s department, also responded to the scene, reported the Santa Monica Observer.
No one was injured in the robbery. Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) are searching for the suspect, who is also wanted for bank robbery and assault.
Nashville shooter Audrey Hale allegedly used federal student aid to buy guns for school attack
Judge Orders Release of Sealed Tyler Robinson Records
Dems Told Us Somalis Are Massive Contributors to Minnesota. Stats Prove That’s a Lie of Profound Proportions
Zelenskyy says peace deal is close after Trump meeting but territory remains sticking point
Texas man charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS in federal terrorism case
Lapsed Epstein deadline underscores challenge of reviewing troves of files in 30 days
Swalwell slammed by Border Patrol commander over imagery showing ICE raiding Jesus Christ’s manger
Netanyahu says Trump to become first non-Israeli to receive Israel Prize
Home Owned by NASCAR Star Denny Hamlin Destroyed in Deadly Blaze
Look for Times Square Crystal Ball To Do Something Different This Year As USA’s 250th Birthday Approaches
Illegal immigrants allegedly ran multi-million-dollar gift card fraud scheme hitting stores daily across Texas
Trump rebukes Ukraine after Putin says his home was attacked
Gen. Flynn Sends Blistering Request to Trump: ‘We The People Demand Accountability!’
Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect fights DOJ delay in turning over evidence
Trump Admin Stands Firm After Jesus-Centric Christmas Messages Spark Media Freak-Out
A representative of the Santa Monica Police Department did not respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment. “Use of a Day of the Dead Mask during a robbery can be a separate offense or an enhancement, under the California Penal Code,” a police spokesperson said in a press release, per the Observer. “In this case, the suspect is sought for violating the rights of indigenous peoples, and for bank robbery.”
A spokesperson from Wells Fargo tells Yahoo Lifestyle, “We are working with law enforcement and are unable to provide more details as this is an ongoing criminal investigation. Wells Fargo values and promotes diversity and inclusion in all aspects of business at all levels. We do not tolerate racism, cultural appropriation or discrimination of any kind.”
The Day of Dead, a holiday that lasts between October 31 and November 2, is a celebratory period for Mexican people to honor those who have passed on. Toy company Mattel is currently selling a “Barbie Día de Muertos” (retail price: $75) that some reportedly tweeted appropriated Mexican culture.
Story cited here.
