A Houston, Texas man was charged with a hate crime Wednesday (May 3) after hurling racial slurs at a black man before trying to stab him. Harris County prosecutors say 32-year-old James Scott Lee chose his victim based solely on race.
Prosecutors also said Lee was heard screaming “I hate n*****s, and I’m going to kill me one today,” before brandishing a knife. Thankfully the victim was able to escape by jumping inside a car and locking the doors. It’s also being reported Lee had brass knuckles.
Lee was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with a hate crime enhancement. His bond was set at $250,000. Prosectors say Lee either suffers from a mental illness or has a deep-rooted hatred for African-Americans.
If convicted Lee could spend anywhere between five years and life in prison and without the enhanced hate crime charge he could’ve served two to 20 years behind bars.
“It’s shocking even though things are happening like that lately it still shocks that people would want to do this,” resident Steven Maiden said.