A Warren, Michigan resident has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for defacing a predominantly Black church with hate symbols and messages. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck, alongside Acting Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Chevoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Detroit Field Division.
David Bluer, aged 34, admitted guilt on December 3, 2024, to one count of damaging religious property. Court documents reveal that Bluer spray-painted swastikas and the word “die” on the Roseville church in October 2021 due to racial motivations. He acknowledged targeting the church because it serves a mostly Black congregation led by a Black pastor. Additionally, Bluer defaced a public bathroom at Trombly Park in Warren with racist graffiti including “DaviD KiLLS Ni**ERS.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Beck stated: “The defendant’s attack, motivated by race and color, instilled fear in not only the mostly Black congregants of the church but damaged the entire community’s sense of safety. Our office will always vigorously prosecute those who commit unlawful bias-motivated acts and seek justice for the victims.”
Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI emphasized: “The sentence of David Bluer sends a stern warning to anyone who seeks to invoke fear and hatred towards a specific group of individuals. The FBI is committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution, investigating civil rights violations and protecting the American People.” He credited members from various law enforcement agencies for their role in halting these hate-driven criminal acts.
The case was investigated by the FBI Detroit Field Office with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Erin Monju from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
