CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A Charlotte man has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime after threatening a group of people with a loaded AR-15 rifle inside a local pizza restaurant last year.
According to court records, 32-year-old Maurice Hopkins pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 19, to one count of interference with federally protected activities — a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The incident occurred on June 8, 2024, at Zämbies Pizza on North Davidson Street in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. Prosecutors say Hopkins approached a group of friends at the restaurant and began harassing them, questioning whether they were Americans and calling them terrorists. He allegedly told them to “speak English” and “go back to your country,” making multiple racist and xenophobic remarks — including threats to kill them.
Hopkins reportedly left the restaurant, only to return minutes later with a loaded AR-15-style rifle. The group fled through the rear exit of the shop.
In court, Hopkins admitted that he targeted the eight individuals because of their race, color, religion, and national origin. He also acknowledged that his threats were made while they were lawfully enjoying the services of the restaurant.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.