Rideshare Driver Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges After Assault
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 16, 2024) — A Bay Area rideshare driver, Csaba John Csukás, 39, has been charged with a federal hate crime. The charges stem from an alleged assault on a rider who Csukás believed was Jewish or Israeli, which happened on October 26, 2023.
According to court documents on the rideshare hate crime, Csukás, a Daly City resident, was operating as a driver for an app-based rideshare service and was at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to pick up a customer. It is alleged that upon asking the victim about their religious and national identity, Csukás declared his refusal to transport Jewish or Israeli individuals before physically attacking the customer.
This senseless act of violence has been met with strong condemnation from federal officials, including Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, who emphasized that no individual should have to live in fear because of their faith or ethnic background. The Justice Department has committed to vigorously prosecuting those who engage in such hate-fueled violence.
Csukás appeared in court this Wednesday, facing charges under the federal hate crime statute, which includes penalties for causing bodily injury based on the actual or perceived religion or national origin of any person. If convicted, Csukás could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of personal injury while on a rideshare vehicle, it’s critical to seek legal support to ensure justice is served and your rights are protected. RTM Law Firm is dedicated to fighting against hate crimes and providing legal assistance to those affected by such acts of discrimination. We are ready to offer compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to help navigate the challenges of these cases.
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