Thirty-seven years in prison is the verdict for Anthony Paz Torres, a Dallas man, who was found guilty of hate crime charges linked to a deadly shooting at a car repair shop. Torres has been duly served the sentence, with credit for time spent in state custody, following his guilty plea on September 14, 2023.
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The Culprit and His Heinous Actions
Torres, 39, pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts. His ruthless act of taking one individual's life and attempting to end four others occurred during a mass shooting at Omar's Wheels and Tires, a well-known car repair shop in Dallas, on December 24, 2015. Torres additionally admitted guilt to one count of using a firearm to commit the murder.
Clear Message from the Justice Department
Torres's sentence manifests the commitment of the Justice Department to tackle hate crimes caused by Islamophobia, as expressed by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, "Hate crimes, fueled by Islamophobia or other biases, face stern repercussions." His comments embody a countrywide sentiment that no person should live in fear because of who they are, what they look like, or how they pray.
FBI Director Christopher Wray reiterated Torres's intent to commit a mass shooting at a Muslim-owned business, underscoring the heart-wrenching impact of deadly Islamophobia in our country and the severe penalties waiting for those who incite such hateful violence. He affirmed that civil rights investigations are a top priority for the FBI to guarantee everyone's freedom to practice their religion without fear.
Eradicating Fear and Promoting Safety
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke echoed the sentiment that no U.S. citizen should fear becoming a target of violence because of their religion. She confirmed that Torres's sentence would hold him accountable for the Islamophobic violence he inflicted on his victims, and the Justice Department would remain vigilant against such hate crimes.
U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton added that North Texans hail from various religious traditions and backgrounds, and nobody should live in apprehension because of how they worship. She emphasized the dedication of the U.S. Attorney's Office to protect North Texas community members against violence rooted in hatred toward any religious group.
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Torres's Terrifying Admission
Court documents reveal a chilling account of Torres's actions before the shooting. He visited Omar's Wheels and Tires, uttered anti-Muslim comments, and vowed to return. Upon his return to the shop on December 24, 2015, he probed customers about their religion. After his removal from the premises by shop employees, Torres irresponsibly discharged his firearm to multiple employees and customers. In his confession, Torres stated he targeted Omar's Wheels and Tires because he thought they were Muslim.
The Road to Justice
The FBI Dallas Field Office took up the investigation with support from the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Criminal District Attorney's Office. The Northern District of Texas Assistant United States Attorney led the prosecution. Nicole Dana and Rebekah J. Bailey, previously a trial attorney with the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Atty. Stephen Gilstrap.
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