OKLAHOMA CITY, (KOKH) — An Oklahoma City resident was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to a federal hate crime violation.

According to court documents, Braden Birdsong, age 28, approached a black man who was cleaning a parking lot on Aug. 25, 2023.

Birdsong attacked D.G. and used racial slurs while he punched the man.

“This defendant’s actions were driven by hate and resulted in a violent attack against a victim targeted simply because of his race,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Crimes motivated by hate threaten the safety and dignity of our communities and will be met with firm accountability. The Justice Department remains committed to enforcing federal civil rights laws and protecting individuals from hate-based violence. I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their dedication to seeking justice in this case.”

D.G. suffered bodily injury due to the violent attack.

Birdsong later admitted he had targeted D.G. due to his race.

“There is no place in our society for the hatred and prejudice that fueled this vicious attack, and no one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are or what they look like,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge, Doug Goodwater. “We hope today’s sentencing brings some measure to the victim of this senseless act of violence.”

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