White Man Who Shot at Black Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Hate Crime Case

The Case of Jonathan Andrew Felkel

Jonathan Andrew Felkel, a 34-year-old man standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing around 130 pounds, has managed to attract significant attention due to the hate he displayed. His actions last July, which involved firing a rifle into the air while shouting at a Black City of Columbia worker, could result in a prison sentence of up to nine years under federal hate crime laws.

During a 40-minute hearing at the Columbia federal courthouse, Felkel pleaded guilty to one count of violating a federal hate crime concerning fair housing. Federal prosecutor Elle Klein explained that Felkel fired a gun into the air and shouted at the victim, an African-American man, saying, “You better run, boy!” This incident took place in the Spring Valley community where both Felkel and the victim lived.

The crucial evidence that led to Felkel’s hate crime charge came from his interview with Richland County sheriff’s deputies following the shooting. During this interview, Felkel admitted to law enforcement that he fired the gun and shouted at the victim to scare him and convey the message to “leave the neighborhood.” He also expressed the belief that because the victim was Black, he must be connected to “dangerous criminals.”

Felkel used a Remington Model 7400 Springfield semi-automatic rifle, which has been recovered by law enforcement. The hearing provided an opportunity for Judge Mary Lewis to review with Felkel his right to a trial by jury and the rights he was giving up by not going to trial. Felkel, who was manacled and wearing an orange jump suit, responded with “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, your honor,” in a subdued tone.

At the time of the shooting, Felkel was living in Spring Valley, a well-to-do community north of downtown Columbia. He was acting as a caretaker for his grandparents. In 2012, he obtained a G.E.D., and in 2017, he enrolled in a culinary arts program. Before moving to Columbia, he worked food-related jobs in Charleston.

Judge Lewis informed Felkel that the crime he was pleading guilty to is a felony, which may result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote and the right to own a gun. Klein stated that federal guidelines call for a prison sentence of between eight and nine years, with a maximum penalty of 10 years. Judge Lewis will decide the length of Felkel’s prison term during a later, unscheduled hearing.

Local federal prosecutor Lamar Fyall and U.S. Department of Justice civil rights division trial attorney Sarah Armstrong are handling the case, with a half dozen FBI agents present during the hearing.

Law Enforcement Perspectives

Following the court hearing, U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling and heads of other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Richland County sheriff’s office, spoke to reporters. Stirling praised the cooperation between the agencies, which led to a speedy guilty plea in federal court after charges in state court were first brought last July.

“This is record time for something like this,” Stirling said, highlighting the efficiency of the process. Felkel is expected to be sentenced in three to four months after a presentence investigation is completed, according to Stirling.

FBI Special Agent in Charge of South Carolina Kevin Moore emphasized the importance of accountability and justice for the victims. He encouraged the public to report hate crimes immediately. Sheriff Leon Lott described Felkel’s act as a very troubling case, noting the distressing nature of the incident.

Lott pointed out that the reason the hate crime charge was brought is because Felkel admitted the only reason he shot at the victim is because he was Black. He added that it is disturbing to have people like Felkel in the community and that the victim still feels the pain.

Lott also mentioned that South Carolina is one of only two states without a hate crime law, but he noted the presence of a U.S. Attorney’s office that can prosecute such cases. Felkel was also charged with violating a Richland County hate crime ordinance, which carries a 30-day maximum sentence.

Jarvis McKenzie, the victim in Felkel’s hate crime, was present at the hearing with his family and attorney, Tyler Bailey. However, Bailey stated that McKenzie did not want to comment. Charles George, the attorney representing Felkel, did not respond to a reporter’s request for comment.

The Justice Department’s Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the deeply disturbing nature of Felkel’s actions and hoped his conviction would bring peace to the victim and greater security to Black communities across the country.