Aimenn D. Penny, 20, of Alliance, Stark County, Ohio, United States was sentenced on January 29, 2024 to 18 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Penny was connected with the White Lives Matter group. Wearing a tactical vest, a jacket with a patch showing a firearm and camouflage pants, he attended a protest of a drag event in Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio on March 11, 2023.
On March 25, 2023, Penny made Molotov cocktails and drove to the Community Church of Chesterland (CCC) in Chesterland, Geauga County, Ohio, which planned to host two drag events. He was angered by this plan.
With an intention to burn the building, Penny threw two Molotov cocktails at CCC, which destroyed its sign. He intended to obstruct its congregants in their enjoyment and expression of their religious beliefs.
On March 31, 2023, Penny was arrested and charged with malicious use of explosive materials, possessing a destructive device, using fire to commit a federal felony. He is also accused of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, which reauthorizes the Hate Crimes Statistics Act.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents searched Penny’s residence after his arrest. They found multiple rolls of blue painters tape, gas cans, Nazi memorabilia, a Nazi flag, a White Lives Matter of Ohio T-shirt, a gas mask, and a hand-written manifesto that contained ideological statements.
On July 3, 1996, Bill Clinton signed the Church Arson Prevention Act into law. On October 23, 2023, Penny pleaded guilty to the hate crime and using fire and explosives to commit a felony.
CONAN Daily 