A White Lives Matter supporter in Ohio is facing federal charges after allegedly attempting to burn down a church that planned to host drag show events.
According to the Department of Justice, 20-year-old Aimenn D. Penny targeted the Community Church of Chesterland on March 25 after learning about its plan to host multiple drag shows the following weekend, per Revolt. Penny threw Molotov cocktails at the church, violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, the DOJ said.
He has also been charged with using fire to commit a federal felony, malicious use of explosive materials, and possessing a destructive device.
Following his attack on the church, federal officials found Penny was a member of a White Lives Matter group that held racist, homophobic, and pro-Nazi views. Weeks before the church attack, Penny protested with the group against a local drag event in Wadsworth, Ohio. Prosecutors said group members carried flags with swastikas and yelled homophobic slurs.
According to a police affidavit, Penny has previously told authorities that he believed Black people were a “problem” and that a race war was coming. Upon searching his home, police found a handwritten manifesto and Nazi memorabilia.
Penny is currently in custody and awaiting a trial date. He faces up to 50 years in prison.
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