Man Who Yelled 'Trump' During Assault On Taxi Driver Accused Of Ethnic Intimidation
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Authorities in Western Michigan have accused a man of assault and ethnic intimidation after he allegedly attacked a taxi driver while yelling "Trump."
Kent County prosecutors authorized charges and issued warrants Wednesday against 23-year-old Jacob Holtzlander in connection with the Nov. 12 incident in Grand Rapids.
It wasn't immediately clear if Holtzlander has an attorney. The Associated Press left a message with a prosecutor's spokesman.
WOOD-TV and The Grand Rapids Press report taxi driver Yemaj Adem picked up Holtzlander and several women early in the morning the day. Adem dropped off the women but Holtzlander remained in the cab, and the two got into a dispute over the cost of the fare.
Adem told police Holtzlander repeatedly yelled President-elect Donald Trump's last name as he struck the Ethiopian immigrant with both hands.
Police said Holtzlander later made discriminatory comments about the alleged victim's race.
Holtzlander turned himself in to police on Thursday and was arraigned in Grand Rapids court,
Adem, who suffered face and head injuries, said the incident has made him edgy while on the job.
"I'm an African-American and just, the hate — I didn't expect it. They say something, but a punch is something new to me. I've never been attacked since I was doing this almost five years now," Adem, who is a naturalized American citizen, told 24 Hour News 8.
Adem said his attacker "seemed drunk; and police have said they do believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.
Defense attorney Charles Chamberlain Jr. says Holtzlander has a "substance-abuse issue" and will be assessed.
Holtzlander is scheduled to appear for a preliminary examination on Dec. 13.
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