Man Allegedly Screams Racial Slurs, Threatens Arson, and Fights Cops in Maryland Hate Crime

A Maryland resident faces multiple charges, including a hate crime, following two alarming incidents aimed at his Black neighbors within a month. Fifty-year-old Michael Gerard Benedict was apprehended on April 4 and again on April 28 after deputies responded to reports in his neighborhood. On the first encounter, victims alleged that Benedict shouted racial slurs and made threats to incinerate their home while throwing objects into their yard. Following this, a judge issued a peace order against him. However, just weeks later, law enforcement was summoned again when Benedict resumed his abusive tirade, prompting fears for the neighbor’s safety. During his arrest, Benedict resisted officers violently, attempting to seize firearms and striking them. He now faces several criminal charges and remains incarcerated without bail.