‘HATE CRIME’

‘Blue Lives Matter’ Law Used for First Time in New Orleans

For man who shouted slurs at cops.

New Orleans authorities have arrested a person for what is reportedly the first time using the state’s new “Blue Lives Matter” provision for hate crimes. Raul Delatoba, 28, was arrested Monday after breaking a French Quarter hotel’s window and allegedly yelling racist and sexist slurs at police officers. According to the The Times-Picayune, he was charged with criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, and a felony hate crime—the latter of which was applied because of his “attack on individuals based on their race, sex, and occupation.” According to the Anti-defamation League, this is the first time the provision protecting police officers has been invoked. However, a spokesperson for the organization said they do not believe the circumstances in this crime merit the hate-crime charge.