A Gaston County man has just pled guilty to a federal civil rights violation after threatening a group of people with an AR-15 in NoDa.
According to court documents, 32-year-old Maurice Hopkins confronted eight individuals at Zämbies Pizza on North Davidson Street (across from Cabo Fish Taco) on June 8, 2024. Hopkins asked if they were Americans, called them terrorists, and demanded they speak English. He also told them to “go back to their country” and threatened to kill them.
Prosecutors said Hopkins briefly left the restaurant but soon returned with a loaded AR-15 rifle. The group fled through a rear exit as Hopkins admitted he targeted them because of their race, color, religion, and national origin.
Hopkins pleaded guilty to one count of interference with federally protected activities, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set, and he remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Chloe Neely of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Federal officials emphasized that civil rights protections extend to anyone enjoying public businesses and services, and that threats of violence based on race or religion will not be tolerated.
