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.
Trump-Meloni spat grows over claim Italian PM ‘begged’ for photo: ‘astonished’
SEE IT: Dem senator downplays security threat of illegal immigration after White House terror plot
Gilgo Beach serial killer’s ex-wife says he ‘got what he deserved’ after he gets max sentence for 8 murders
Breaking: US Brokers Lebanon Ceasefire After Escalation Derails Peace Talks with Iran
UK’s Prime Minister Directed 13,000 Suspected Pedophiles Get Warning Letters Instead of Prosecution, According to Rape Gang Report
Republican congressman will end months-long absence from DC after missing 135 roll call votes
WATCH: Tom Hanks Painful Insult to MSNOW Interviewer Goes Viral During Obama Presidential Center Opening
Trump’s 80th Birthday Goes Off Without a Hitch, as UFC Bring Manliness, Spirit of Teddy Roosevelt Back to WH Lawn
Disgraced Murdaugh trial clerk who helped blow up murder conviction claims protection from payback lawsuit
Dem justices slap Soros-backed Philly DA with power strip in stunning decision: ‘Not reliable’
PHOTOS: Best moments from Obama’s presidential center opening
Will Dems’ targeting of California GOP-turned-Indie congressman ‘Pan’ out?
UN’s Albanese faces uphill battle with First Amendment case seeking to end sanctions against her
Interest rate cut not likely on the table, even after Iran deal and somewhat falling oil prices
US military kills three ‘narco-terrorists’ in latest lethal strike on vessel in the Eastern Pacific
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.
