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.
NYC Construction Workers and Union Members Go Wild When Trump Makes Unexpected Visit En Route to Courthouse
A Nuclear Apocalypse Has Never Been This Fun: After the ‘Fallout’ Show, Here Are the Games to Play
Dems attack Johnson over impassioned Columbia speech condemning anti-Israel student activists
Trump slams ‘Bidenomics’ ahead of court, claims to have a ‘good chance’ of winning liberal state
‘You’ve Got to Be Kidding’: Upcoming O.J. Simpson Biopic Reaches New Low for Hollywood, Depicts Him as Innocent
Foreign Students Who Get Suspended for Anti-Israel Activities Could Face Even Tougher Punishment, DHS Confirms
Fauci to testify publicly before Congress for 1st time since retirement
US senators demand answers on closure plan for California women’s prison where inmates were sexually abused
Biden admin cracks down on power plants fueling nation’s grid
Supreme Court to hear arguments in Trump presidential immunity case
Biden sparks Christian group’s anger after making sign of the cross at abortion rally: ‘Disgusting insult’
Texas high school shooting leaves 18-year-old student dead, shot multiple times; suspect in custody
Secret Service agent on VP Harris’ detail removed from assignment after physical fight while on duty
Conn. Gov. Ned Lamont had thousands of trees, bushes ‘illegally’ cut behind $7.5M home
More people exposed to Manhattan Project chemicals deserve compensation, advocates say
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.
Scroll down to leave a comment:
