Ohio Man Fined $50K for Distributing Antisemitic Flyers in Pittsburgh

Jeremy Brokaw, a 45-year-old man from Zanesville, Ohio, was found guilty of 160 counts of littering for distributing antisemitic flyers in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Peters Township neighborhoods in May 2025. The flyers, linked to the white supremacist group Goyim Defense League, contained hateful and antisemitic messages and were thrown from Brokaw's vehicle, as confirmed by video evidence presented in court. Brokaw was fined nearly $50,000, with the judge rejecting his attorney's argument that the charges should be consolidated into one count or that the punishment was excessive due to First Amendment protections. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh described the incident as spreading hate and fear, emphasizing the importance of holding Brokaw accountable. Brokaw's attorney maintains the actions constituted misguided political advocacy and plans to appeal the verdict. Despite the defense's claims, officials and community leaders view the act as a targeted dissemination of racism and antisemitism rather than free speech.