Mississippi News

Gulfport man sentenced to 42 years after burning cross to intimidate Black neighbors

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2023

A Gulfport man will spend the next 42 years behind bars after burning a cross in his front yard in an attempt to intimidate his Black neighbors.

On Dec. 3, 2020, 24-year-old Axel Cox violated the Fair Housing Act when he used threatening and racially derogatory language toward the family before burning the cross in his yard.

According to court documents, Cox had a verbal dispute with the family prior to wedging two pieces of wood together, placing it in clear view of the victims’ residence, dousing it in oil, and setting it alight. Cox later admitted that he was trying to get them to move out of the neighborhood.

“This cross burning was an abhorrent act that used a traditional symbol of hatred and violence to stoke fear and drive a Black family out of their home,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said. “While one might think cross-burnings and white supremacist threats and violence are things of the past, the unfortunate reality is that these incidents continue today….

———-

By: J.T. Mitchell
Title: Gulfport man sentenced to 42 years after burning cross to intimidate Black neighbors
Sourced From: www.supertalk.fm/gulfport-man-sentenced-to-42-years-after-burning-cross-to-intimidate-black-neighbors/
Published Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:59:55 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.biloxinewsevents.com/grammy-award-winner-carly-pearce-to-perform-at-pearls-50th-anniversary-concert/

Related Topics:behindbars Featured frontyard SuperTalk SuperTalk FM

Up Next

Gulfport man sentenced to 42 months after burning cross to intimidate Black neighbors

Don't Miss

FedEx reinstates Jackson route in 39204 area code

Mississippi News

Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-15 08:13:00

SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.

Read the full article

The post Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-13 13:45:00

SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.

Read the full article

The post Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-13 07:54:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 13-15) in Mississippi offers numerous events across regions. In Central Mississippi, enjoy free tours at the Eudora Welty House, World Snake Day in Jackson, and the Juneteenth Homecoming Weekend at Tougaloo College. Activities include concerts, art exhibits, farmers markets, family fun runs, and outdoor movies. Natchez hosts garden tours, fishing events, and farmers markets. Meanwhile, in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg features family splash nights, Juneteenth festivals, a golf tournament, live performances, and unique museum exhibits. Laurel offers karaoke night, while community runs, interactive concerts, and theatrical performances round out a lively weekend across the state.

Read the full article

The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15 appeared first on www.wjtv.com