Facebook upholds Trump ban; Former head of Neo-Nazi group sentenced for swatting; NYC synagogue vandal arrested on hate crime charges

May 07, 2021

THE WEEK’S BIG 3

Four months after his ouster from Facebook and Instagram, the suspension of former president Donald Trump was upheld by the Facebook Oversight Board. A former leader in a violent neo-Nazi group was sentenced Tuesday to 41 months in prison for harassing journalists who reported on his activities and others. Police arrested a 29-year-old man on hate crime charges in connection with the vandalization of several Bronx synagogues, which included the destruction of prayer books.

Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.

1) Facebook Ban on Trump Upheld by Facebook Oversight Board

“Facebook can decide to impose a limited suspension, permanently ban him or appeal again to the board, members of the Oversight Board told reporters. It also recommended that Facebook institute clear and proportionate policies 'that promote public safety and respect freedom of expression.'” USA Today: FULL STORY

+ READ: ADL Statement on Facebook Oversight Board's Decision to Uphold Trump's Suspension from Platform

+ Jonathan Greenblatt tweet: The decision from @OversightBoard makes clear that no company should be unaccountable and have accumulated so much power — we need a policy intervention to address the broader threat of Facebook.

2) Former Leader of Neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Group Sentenced for Swatting

“John Cameron Denton, 27, was the Texas leader of the Atomwaffen Division when he took part in what Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina Cuellar called 'the most widespread swatting conspiracy in the country' known to federal law enforcement. Swatting is the practice of making fake bomb and hostage threats to provoke an overwhelming law enforcement response.” The Washington Post: READ MORE

+ ADL Resource: Atomwaffen Division (AWD)/ National Socialist Order (NSO)

+ ADL Resource: Backspace Hate

3) NYC Man Arrested on Hate Crime Charges for Vandalizing Synagogues

“The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force announced Saturday that they arrested Jordan Burnette, who is from the Bronx, for refusing to cooperate with officers and provide proper identification after he was stopped for riding a bicycle against the flow of traffic. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Burnette smashing a van windshield with a rock ahead of his encounter with police.” CBS News: LEARN MORE

+ ADL New York/New Jersey tweet: Thank you @nypdhatecrimes & @nypd50Pct for your efforts and today’s arrest in response to the recent synagogue vandalism incidents in Riverdale.

+ ADL H.E.A.T Map

KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS

• Thrilled to hear @Merck’s CEO and @ADL Courage Against Hate award winner, Ken Frazier, was named CEO of the Year by @ChiefExecGrp…
• Congress must act NOW to end systemic racism in law enforcement. @DamonTHewitt, @LawyersComm & I urge Congress to focus on appropriate legislation to ensure the safety of all -- particularly people of color…
• During this moment of rising #hate, #antisemitism, and racism, we welcomed leaders from across the globe to share some inspiration. Thank you to all those who made #VNLS2021 a resounding success!

IN THE COMMUNITY

• Bend police officer under investigation after accusations of extremist speech (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
• Tufts University Investigating 2 ‘Incidents Of Hate’ On Campus (CBS Boston – Robert Trestan interviewed)
• 'Disturbing' anti-Semitic flyers circulating in St. Pete, local leaders warn (ABC Tampa Bay)

ADL IN THE NEWS

• Why Iran poses such a serious threat (The Times of Israel – Jonathan Greenblatt op-ed)
• Asian American business leaders launch $250M effort to combat anti-Asian hate (Reuters)
• Arresting Capitol Rioters Won’t Stop Hard-Core Extremists (Daily Beast)