“We believe that racial prejudice in our society should be identified and called out so that it might reduce the chance of repeat occurrences,” Mr Evans said in quotes published by the Kansas City Star.
Lee’s Summit city officials on Monday defended the park’s decision to cancel the party, arguing that 500 teenagers had showed up for the party after it was advertised on social media and that certain social media posts made park officials concerned about ensuring the “safety of party guests”.
But Mr Evans hit back at the assertion that there were 500 people gathered for the party, and Lee’s Summit mayor William Baird was similarly unimpressed.
He said Tuesday that the city’s Parks and Recreation department has launched an investigation into the incident and, in the meantime, called on the Parks and Recreation department — which runs the water park — to “re-evaluate their approach”.
Mr Baird also criticised comments made by staff officials at the water park defending the cancellation of the event.
“The comments were appalling and not condoned by Parks and Recreation, and are inconsistent with the culture I know the City of Lee’s Summit strives to reflect,” Mr Baird said.
The city plans to fully refund the family for the cost of the party, but Mr Evans said the indignity it suffered on Saturday will remain.
“My kids were heartbroken that the party was canceled,” he said. “They are good kids who make good grades, have bright futures and do not deserve to be treated like this. And that goes for all the kids at the park that day.”
Leahy later told the officers that he wanted to shoot 60 to 70 people in the face and before killing himself by shooting himself in the neck and called his would-be quest “the most fulfilling thing he would experience in life.”
He will now serve up to 10 years in prison plus three years of supervised release. Leahy also faces a fine of up to $250,000. Assistant Attorney General Clarke said that the verdict should send a strong message that the DOJ is committed to prosecuting violent hate crimes.
“Across America, families must be able to freely travel our public streets without fear of being attacked because of race,” said Clarke. “This verdict should send a strong message that the Department of Justice remains firmly committed to prosecuting, to the fullest extent of the law, those who would use violence to enforce heinous racist belief
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