Michigan Man Sentenced for Vandalizing Black Church

David Bluer, a 34-year-old man from Warren, Michigan, has been sentenced to one year in prison for spray-painting swastikas and the word 'die' on a predominantly Black church in Roseville in October 2021. Bluer pleaded guilty to damaging religious property, admitting that his actions were racially motivated, targeting the church due to its Black pastor and congregation. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized that his attack instilled fear in the community and damaged its sense of safety. Bluer also vandalized public property with similar racist graffiti, including slurs and symbols. His attorney noted that Bluer's actions were influenced by alcoholism at the time, but he has since become sober and expressed remorse for his behavior. The FBI has stated that this sentence serves as a warning against hate crimes and civil rights violations.