Fact Check: "Cornett fired six shots, hitting two men in a hate-fueled attack."
What We Know
Douglas Wayne Cornett, a 58-year-old man from Ruther Glen, Virginia, pleaded guilty to two federal hate crimes involving attempts to kill and discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. The incident occurred on February 28, 2024, when Cornett followed a box truck driven by a Latino male, referred to as O.G., into a gas station. After inquiring about O.G.'s immigration status, Cornett drew a handgun and fired six shots, hitting O.G. three times and another man, J.M., once. Cornett later confessed to law enforcement that his actions were motivated by his perception of the victims' national origin (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Cornett fired six shots, hitting two men in a hate-fueled attack, is supported by multiple credible sources. The official press releases from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office provide detailed accounts of the events, including Cornett's motivations and the outcomes of his actions. The sources indicate that Cornett's attack was indeed fueled by hate, as he specifically targeted the victims based on their perceived national origin (source-1, source-2).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from official government press releases and legal documents. These sources are typically subject to rigorous standards of accuracy and accountability, making them trustworthy for reporting on legal matters. Furthermore, the statements from law enforcement officials and U.S. attorneys reinforce the seriousness of the crime and its implications for community safety and justice (source-1, source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that "Cornett fired six shots, hitting two men in a hate-fueled attack" is True. The evidence from credible sources confirms that Cornett did indeed fire six shots, injuring two men, and that his actions were motivated by hate against their national origin. The legal proceedings and confessions further substantiate this claim.
Sources
- Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime and Firearms Violation - Justice.gov
- Ruther Glen man pleads guilty to federal hate crime and firearms violation - Justice.gov
- Virginia man pleads guilty to shooting Latino men he thought were undocumented - The Hill
- Gunman who shot 2 men for being Hispanic gets life sentence as judge faults anti-immigrant rhetoric - NBC Washington
