A man who claimed to be a White supremacist and Donald Trump supporter attacked an interracial couple. According to reports, Daniel Rowe, 32, saw a Black man and White woman talking in a party district in Olympia, Washington.
At some point, the Black man kissed the White woman and Rowe became enraged. Rowe approached the couple and pulled out a knife. He then slashed the woman and stabbed the man. Rowe attempted to run away, but the man he stabbed chased him and pushed him down. Rowe hit his head and fell unconscious.
When police arrived, Rowe regained consciousness and began yelling. He reportedly yelled that he was a Donald Trump supporter and that he wanted to attack members of Black Lives Matter. Police also noticed that he had tattoos that read, “White Power,” “Skinhead,” and an image of a Confederate flag.
Rowe clearly represents a segment of America that is fueled by hatred, but his support of Trump also sheds light on why this presidential election is important. Since beginning his campaign, Trump has used rhetoric to further the racial divide. Trump’s hateful speeches have inspired racists as he becomes one step closer to the White House. He has become a de facto leader for individuals who seek to harm others simply because of the color of their skin, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. If Trump finds a way inside of the White House as president, the country can only expect things to get worse.
The couple did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Rowe was arrested and booked into the Thurston County Jail and charged with first-degree assault and malicious harassment, which is classified as a hate crime in the state of Washington.
Rowe had recently been released from prison after being convicted of second-degree robbery in 2008.
