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.
One Day After Cancelling July 4 Fireworks, Buffalo, NY, Celebrates Somali Independence Day
‘Young Washington’ Delivers Revolutionary Hit for Angel Studios Honoring America’s 250th Birthday
Ex-Obama advisor mocked after questioning Chicago’s response to unconscious man: ‘Own a mirror?’
Secret Service missed ‘multiple opportunities’ to prevent Trump assassination attempt: watchdog
Watch: Young Americans Turn National Mall Into Wild Celebration of Patriotism as US Scores Big World Cup Win
Before 1776: Rediscovering America’s first chapter at Jamestown
Watch: Pete Hegseth Skewers ‘Blinded by Ideology’ Protesters Who Interrupted Moment of Silence for Fallen Soldier
Sanctuary county refused 615 ICE transfer requests, turned over just 11 illegal immigrants, records show
Secret Service debuts new badge for all personnel: ‘Represents unity’
Thunderbirds to race cars: Inside Horsepower of America at the Great American State Fair
Video shows moments before Army veteran was fatally shot in Walmart parking lot dispute
WWII pilot missing after secret spy mission finally accounted for more than 80 years later
Letitia James hammered after NY Medicaid fraud unit funding frozen over ineffective enforcement
Trump’s ‘hero’ justice offers roadmap after Supreme Court rejects birthright order
Former KKK Grand Wizard praises Mamdani-endorsed socialist’s stance on interracial marriage
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.
