OKLAHOMA CITY — A 28-year-old Oklahoma City man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to a hate crime charge for attacking a Black man last year.
Prosecutors said Braden Birdsong admitted in court that he assaulted the victim, identified in filings as D.G., on Aug. 25, 2023, because of the victim’s race. Court records show Birdsong, who is white, punched D.G. in the head several times while using racial slurs. D.G. was working outside a restaurant when the attack happened and suffered bodily injury.
Birdsong faces up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones will set the final sentence after reviewing federal guidelines and other factors. Birdsong remains in custody until sentencing.
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office investigated. The announcement came from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Goodwater.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
