As expected, tensions are rising as the primary election creeps closer. Even a simple lawn sign can trigger an opposing voter. Michigan police say they just arrested a man whose visceral reaction to a mere Kamala Harris flyer nearly cost someone’s life.
Russell Valleau, a 61-year-old Farmington Hills, Mich. resident, is alleged to have been the recipient of campaign mail this month, however, not for the candidate he probably wanted mail from. According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Valleau received a flyer in support of presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris. In response to seeing it, prosecutors claim he said he didn’t want that “Black bitch” in his mailbox.
Instead of just tossing the flyer in the shredder or the trash, prosecutors say Valleau was charged up with racist rage and targeted his mail carrier, who was a Black woman. Prosecutors said he began yelling racist slurs at the woman, calling her a “Black bitch.” As if that wasn’t threatening enough, prosecutors also claim the man lunged toward her with a knife.
In defense, the mail carrier deployed pepper spray to stop him, prosecutors said. Farmington Hills police found Valleau still lurking about the area when they responded to the incident. He was arrested and immediately taken into custody at Oakland County Jail.
“In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote. Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.
Valleau faces one count of ethnic intimidation, a felony, and one count of assault and battery, amisdemeanor. He faces up to two years in prison if found guilty of the felony and 93 days in jail on the misdemeanor.
