A New York man is facing charges after officials say he verbally attacked a Black pastor and threatened him with a knife.
The Newburgh Police Department arrested 60-year-old William J. Ryan on Tuesday (June 14) for second-degree menacing as a hate crime, according to a Facebook post. Officers say Ryan pulled a knife on the Black man during a road rage incident and yelled racist remarks at him on June 11.
Robert McLymore, a 45-year-old pastor and a lieutenant of the Town of Wallkill Police Department, identified himself as the victim and shared video of the shocking encounter, per NBC News. Footage shows Ryan claiming to be a state trooper during his tirade, as well as calling the off-duty cop an "a**hole" and the N-word.
"You'll never be white," Ryan screams from his pickup truck. "You'll never be white. F*** you." Another moment shows the 60-year-old man grabbing onto the window of McLymore's vehicle and pointing the knife at him.
William J. RyanPhoto: Newburgh Police Department
"He pulled out a knife and threatened us. Then he went to Broadway Liquor and did the same thing to a Spanish couple," McLymore alleges. "This is the world we live in." He also had a final message to Ryan, per CBS:
"I would say to him, number one, because I'm a spiritual person, I forgive you. But number two, you have to face the consequences for your actions and I hope that you get the help that you need."
Authorities say Ryan has no affiliation with any law enforcement agencies in the state. Newburgh Police Chief Anthony Geraci also commented on the incident in a statement:
"There is no place for hate in our community. Mr. Ryan will be held accountable for his criminal actions and deplorable speech. His racist threats were not only harmful to the victim in this case, but echoes deep within our City."
No word on if Ryan has an attorney.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.