A Michigan man was charged Friday with allegedly assaulting a mail carrier over a “Kamala Harris for President” mailer that the mail carrier delivered to his mailbox.
Russell Frank Valleau, 61, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, was charged by Oakland County, Michigan Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald with assaulting a mail carrier.
“The defendant was allegedly upset that he had received mail regarding presidential candidate Kamala Harris and allegedly said that he did not want that ‘black b****’ in his mailbox,” according to press release from the Oakland County, Michigan prosecutor’s office said. “He then called the mail carrier a ‘black b****’ and threatened the carrier. The mail carrier used pepper spray to stop the defendant.”
Valleau was found nearby and taken into custody, according to the press release. He was charged with one count of ethnic intimidation, a felony, and one count of assault and battery, which is a misdemeanor, and was being held at the Oakland County Jail, the release said.
A United States Postal Service mail box is seen on September 12, 2024 in Miami, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
“In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote. Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases,” McDonald said in the press release.
If convicted of ethnic intimidation, Valleau faces up to two years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000, according to the release, while the misdemeanor assault and battery charge is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.
A man in Ohio has been charged with assault after allegedly attacking a mail carrier who was delivering political mailers for the Kamala Harris for President campaign. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in a suburban neighborhood, where the mail carrier was going door-to-door to deliver campaign literature.
According to witnesses, the man became enraged when he saw the mail carrier approaching his house with the political mailer. He reportedly began yelling at the carrier, accusing him of trying to push a political agenda on him. The situation quickly escalated, with the man allegedly physically assaulting the mail carrier by pushing him to the ground and hitting him multiple times.
The mail carrier sustained minor injuries in the attack and was able to escape and call for help. Police arrived on the scene and arrested the man, who now faces charges of assault and battery.
This incident highlights the increasing tensions surrounding the upcoming presidential election, as political divisions continue to deepen across the country. While political discourse and debate are essential components of a healthy democracy, violence and aggression have no place in civil society.
It is important for individuals to remember that everyone has the right to express their political beliefs and opinions, and that attacking someone for simply doing their job is unacceptable. The mail carrier was simply carrying out his duties as a postal worker, and should not have been subjected to such violence.
The Kamala Harris for President campaign has condemned the attack, stating that they do not condone any form of violence or intimidation. They have also expressed their support for the mail carrier and hope for his speedy recovery.
As we approach the election season, it is crucial for individuals to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, rather than resorting to violence or aggression. Political differences should be discussed and debated in a civil manner, without resorting to physical harm.
The man charged with assault in this case will have to face the consequences of his actions, but hopefully this incident serves as a reminder to all of us to treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of our political beliefs. Violence is never the answer, and we must strive to find common ground and understanding in our increasingly polarized society.
