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A former rideshare driver in California is now facing a federal hate crime charge. This comes after he allegedly attacked a passenger he believed was Jewish or Israeli in October. The Department of Justice announced that 39-year-old Csaba John Csukás was arrested for the assault. This incident occurred while he was supposed to pick up a passenger at the San Francisco International Airport.
Csukás reportedly questioned the passenger about being Jewish or Israeli. He stated he wouldn’t transport someone of Jewish or Israeli descent. Following this, he physically assaulted the passenger, according to the DOJ. This attack happened shortly after Hamas terrorists targeted southern Israel on October 7.
In a related news event, the US Marshals apprehended a fugitive mother. She is accused of a grim crime involving her 5-year-old son in 2022.
The incident involving Csukás took place at the San Francisco International Airport on October 26, 2023. Officials have strongly condemned such acts of violence. They emphasized that passengers should feel safe and not face discrimination or attacks based on their nationality or religion when using public transportation. U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey stated that any rideshare driver committing such hate-driven violence against passengers would face prosecution.
Csukás has made his initial court appearance. He is charged with committing a federal hate crime. This law covers causing bodily harm due to the actual or perceived religion or national origin of a person, affecting interstate commerce.
If found guilty, Csukás could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he might have to pay a fine of $250,000.