UPDATE: A Florida driver has been arrested and charged after reportedly attempting to strike members of an LGBTQ+ running group with his Ford Bronco on July 10, 2023. The West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) confirmed that 43-year-old Ihab Mustafa El Mahmoud faces serious charges, including two counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony and one count of reckless driving.
Witnesses from the Night Runners WPB reported that El Mahmoud made multiple passes at high speed, accelerating directly toward group members during their evening run. This alarming incident has raised urgent concerns over safety and potential hate crimes targeting marginalized communities.
Authorities revealed that the disturbance began after El Mahmoud became agitated following a perceived comment from a male member of the running group. After his reckless driving, he fled the scene via Okeechobee Boulevard, leading police to locate him in a nearby parking garage, where he was detained. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with members taking cover behind trees to avoid being hit.
“As I was talking to a few others, I saw out of the corner of my eye that he got into his car and then started accelerating in reverse directly toward me,”
said Rudolph Galindo, a member of Night Runners WPB. The incident highlights the growing fears around targeted violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, especially during public activities.
The WPBPD is reviewing the case for possible enhancements under Florida’s hate crime statute, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Local police have stated,
“The West Palm Beach Police Department arrested an SUV driver who attempted to strike members of a local running club at a park, making multiple passes and driving recklessly before fleeing.”
As the investigation unfolds, El Mahmoud was scheduled to appear in court on July 12, 2023. Community leaders and activists are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for increased safety measures and stronger protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces.
The Night Runners WPB, which hosts walks and runs twice a week, has expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as traumatic for the approximately 40 members present during the event. The local community’s response underscores the need for a united front against violence and discrimination.
This developing story serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing risks faced by marginalized groups and the importance of community solidarity. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue their investigation and assess the potential for hate crime enhancements in this alarming case.
