Man who damaged LGBTQ streetscape must write an essay on the deadly Florida 2016 shooting
Delray Beach, Florida – A man must write a 25-page essay on the deadly 2016 shooting at a gay nightclub in the state.
He was convicted of burning tire marks across a gay-pride streetscape in South Florida last summer while participating in a rally for former President Donald Trump.
According to court records, during a Thursday hearing, a Palm Beach County circuit judge ordered Alexander Jerich, 20, of Lake Worth, to write the essay. The essay about the 49 people killed during the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando is due at a June 8 sentencing hearing for Jerich.
Jerich previously pleaded guilty to felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor reckless driving.
While defense attorneys argue for only community service and three years of probation, prosecutors are asking for 30 days in jail, community service, and five years of probation.
According to officials, Jerich joined a convoy of about 30 vehicles last June on Delray Beach to celebrate Trump’s birthday.
A video that quickly went viral showed a white pickup truck adorned with a Trump flag and registered to Jerich’s father burning tire marks into a rainbow design painted on the road at an intersection.
The design had been unveiled just a day earlier to celebrate Pride Month, which is meant to promote LGBTQ rights, officials said.
