A driver was arrested in West Palm Beach, accused of attempting to strike members of an LGBTQIA+ running club with his vehicle. According to NBC Miami, the incident, which is being reviewed as a possible hate crime, occurred on Monday when the driver reportedly tried to hit runners from the local LGBTQIA+ club. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Ihab Mustafa El Mahmoud, was taken into custody without incident and is expected to attend court today.
Witnesses at the park claimed El Mahmoud's aggression was spurred by a perceived slight from a club member. After becoming upset, it's reported that he proceeded to aggressively maneuver his Ford Bronco SUV, "accelerated toward the runners, making a second attempt to strike them," and drove recklessly across various terrains before fleeing the scene. In a statement obtained by NBC Miami, Rudolph Galindo, a member of the Night Runners running club, recounted how the vehicle appeared to be coming directly at him, making him fear for his life and the safety of his fellow runners.
The police managed to locate El Mahmoud after he allegedly entered a parking garage and began to remove the license plate from his vehicle. No immediate information was provided about potential injuries to the club members. El Mahmoud faces charges including aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony and reckless driving. These charges may be enhanced if the incident is officially classified as a hate crime.
Galindo told WPBF that the driver "seemed aggravated" when questioned about participating in the run. After a brief exchange, El Mahmoud allegedly got into his SUV and accelerated toward the individual, driving directly toward them. Cell phone footage from the incident shows the vehicle jumping curbs and cutting across grass, supporting accounts of the reported reckless behavior.
