News

Bank Robber Wearing ‘Day of Dead’ Mask May Be Charged with Cultural Appropriation

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.


Scoop: Combat veteran launches congressional run in bid to flip longtime Democrat-held seat red
Obama was ‘not happy’ with quick Pelosi endorsement of Harris, book says
Time Out, Eh?
Jesus, the Man of the Year
House Oversight demands investigation into whether Biden doctor Kevin O’Connor should lose his license
House Oversight asks Bondi to investigate ‘all executive actions’ under Biden
Biden staffers exercised presidential powers without authorization, House GOP Oversight report finds
Trump hails Japan’s new prime minister, says US is ‘ally at the strongest level’
The Decision: Jeffries toes the line, takes the plunge in long-awaited NYC mayoral endorsement
Mamdani admits inaccuracy in post-9/11 story about aunt scared to wear hijab
Fort Worth police and Good Samaritans rescue baby trapped under vehicle on interstate
Man who went viral for heckling Winsome Sears with racist comment dealt another blow after getting fired
Alert: Massive November Robbery Wave Promised as USDA Confirms No Food Stamps Next Month – Recipients Threaten Revolt: Graphic Videos
ICE leadership shakeup exposes growing DHS friction over deportation tactics, priorities
Mamdani Comes Clean After Getting Called Out on His 9/11 Story – But He’s Still Playing Victim

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.”

See also  Special prosecutor opens investigation into Jay Jones

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.

Share this article:
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter