Florida Woman Accused of Hate Crime for Spraying Black Kids Ages 3 & 6 with Bear Mace

An 81-year-old woman in Florida faces felony battery charges after allegedly spraying bear mace on two young Black children, aged three and six, while uttering racial slurs. The incident occurred on May 30 in Ocala, where Ada Anderson reportedly became irate over the children’s bubble play. According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, their mother, April Morant, witnessed the event as Anderson approached the fence and sprayed the children, subsequently affecting their health. Morant expressed her alarm, fearing for her safety in that moment. This was not their first altercation; similar racial harassment had occurred previously. Anderson contended she acted defensively, claiming the children provoked her from a distance. She was later released on a $6,000 bond after being booked into jail.