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.
Pollster Stands By Rejected Survey Showing Struggling Democrat in Single Digits That He Released Anyway
Doctor Pushing Puberty Blockers on Teen Boy Was Charged With Possessing Child Porn
Sisters, friend charged in Texas mom’s stabbing death
The Swamp’s Got Another Bright Idea, and It Could End Up Hosing Every American Who Drives
SCOTUS Showdown Over Gun Suppressors Looms After Appeals Court Creates ‘Circuit Split’
What to know about the July Fourth celebrations in DC
WATCH: Biden appears confused about where to exit stage after Democratic gala remarks
It’s Happening: CA Revival Extends for Weeks, ‘Greatest Nights’ in Over 50 Years of Evangelist’s Crusades
Parents Sue Snapchat Alleging Its Responsibility For 12-Year-Old’s Rape
Young Americans break sharply from older Americans on China threat, new poll finds
SNAP food stamp fraud has nefarious terrorism links, top Agriculture watchdog warns Congress
Frustrated blue-collar union bosses rip socialist politicians, warn of labor exodus from Dem party
Polygamous sect leader convicted on state charges after girls found in unventilated trailer
Englishman Visits America For World Cup, Meets Trump: ‘I Now Understand The American Dream’
Mackenzie Shirilla’s appeal rejected by court after ‘The Crash’ revives ‘Hell on Wheels’ case
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.
