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MIAMI BREACH: QAnon cultist convicted of attempted murder for shooting at Biden fans

MIAMI BREACH: QAnon cultist convicted of attempted murder for shooting at Biden fans

MIAMI BREACH: QAnon cultist convicted of attempted murder for shooting at Biden fans

A Miami man has been convicted on attempted murder charges, among others, for a 2020 Election Day incident in which he’s accused of firing a handgun at victims because of their “Ridin’ with Biden” flag, and threatening to kill them, while espousing a QAnon theory about child abuse.

Prosecutors shared cellphone video in which the accused, Eduardo Acosta, attempts to lunge at the victims but is held back by others. He engaged in an argument, accusing them of supporting child sex abuse because of their support for Joe Biden, echoing a QAnon conspiracy theory in which Democrats are the architects of a massive child sex ring.

After Acosta and his group parted from the victims, he’s reported to have come back later with a handgun, firing it at the other men, then holding them at gunpoint while he warned that if they returned to the island, he would kill them. His defense argues that he only went to get his gun because he was afraid of the victims, and that it went off by accident.

In addition to attempted murder, the charges include aggravated assault with a firearm, and armed robbery. Acosta’s defense attorney, Eric Matheny, who also co-hosts a right-wing political podcast, says an appeal is on the table.

From the Miami Herald:

He faces up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of at least 20 years, when he is sentenced on Dec. 16…Acosta had been free on bond while awaiting trial, but was taken into custody after the verdict.

Matheny argues that his client was overcharged, suggesting he had every right to approach the victims and voice his opinions about their flag.

From the Tampa Bay Times:

“You don’t have the right to commit violence, you don’t have the right to physically assault anyone. But if you go out and you have a flag, I don’t care if it’s for Biden or Trump. … You invite people to comment on it,” he said.

Jury selection was also fraught with political tension, with potential jurors discussing Joe Rogan’s podcast, tweets from Donald Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, and views on which party was more likely to engage in political violence.

Stephanie Bazzle
Steph Bazzle is a news writer who covers politics and theocracy, always aiming for a world free from extremism and authoritarianism. Follow Steph on Twitter @imjustasteph. Sign up for all of her stories to be delivered to your inbox here:

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