A Florida man, aged 19, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading no contest to attacking four Jewish teenagers in 2022. The incident took place in Ponte Vedra, Florida, where the man, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, verbally confronted the teenagers who were dressed for a religious holiday.
Reports indicate that the man, identified as Noah Amato, shouted a slur at the group of Jewish teens and proceeded to physically assault one of them with a handgun, causing burns on the teenager's face. The attack occurred while the teenagers were out celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim, Zalman Barrocas, expressed his belief that the perpetrator should face the maximum punishment for the crime. Barrocas recounted the traumatic experience, emphasizing the potential severity of the situation and expressing gratitude for surviving the ordeal.
Despite the defense attorney's claims of a verbal confrontation preceding the attack, the court found Amato guilty of aggravated battery and carrying a concealed firearm. Additionally, Amato pleaded no contest to charges of fleeing police and reckless driving in a separate incident in 2023.
While offering an apology for his actions, Amato admitted to being heavily intoxicated at the time of the assault, attributing his behavior to a combination of alcohol and drugs. He expressed remorse for the pain caused to the victims and took full responsibility for his actions.
Although calls were made for hate crime charges to be brought against Amato, prosecutors confirmed that no such charges were pending. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of hate-fueled violence and the importance of accountability in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in society.
