Oklahoma donut shop that was FIREBOMBED by homophobic neo-Nazi arsonist throws a drag party to celebrate his conviction
An Oklahoma donut shop that was bombed for hosting a drag event has joined the community that stood by to celebrate as the man who attacked the shop received a five-year prison sentence.
The Donut Hole in Tulsa threw open its doors on Saturday and handed out 700 free donuts when neo-Nazi Coby Dale Green was convicted of the hate crime in federal court last October.
It is believed he was responsible for smashing the store's windows days after hundreds of people turned out for an exhibition of LGBT art in the popular meeting place.
But days later he was convicted of another attack when he smashed the door with a baseball bat before throwing a flaming Molotov cocktail inside.
“Today is about giving out donuts to the community and making it clear that we are here and we are everywhere,” said drag artist Josie Lee Turrelle.
Sasha Turrelle and Josie Lee Turrelle were among those who handed out the treats Saturday after Green was sentenced to five years in federal court.
A security camera at the Tucson store captured the moment Green threw his Molotov cocktail through the door he had shattered seconds earlier
Investigators found notes and flyers pinned to the door after the attacks, leaving staff and customers fearing for their lives.
One was a reference to “Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 KJV,” while another read “The only virus is LGBT” and showed a man holding another by the throat.
A third promised war on “LGBT groomers” with a photo of a person being strangled by a Pride flag bandana.
“When everything happened, it was scary, and I didn't do any towing for three months because I was too scared to go out and do anything because I didn't want to get hurt,” Lee Turrelle said.
“I'm just trying to do my job and make people happy.”
Store owners Sarah Swain and Brian Hunter vowed not to be intimidated after the initial attack and a GoFundMe was created that raised more than $24,000.
“Despite anyone's attempt to spoil our parade, the community responded with overwhelming support,” they wrote on Facebook.
“These malicious acts resulted in thousands of dollars going to the cause that was supposed to support this entire event. Love Wins.'
But the community was shocked when the first attack was followed by a second.
“My art installation was the catalyst for these horrific acts,” said exhibition organizer Daniel Gulick.
“I know I'm not responsible, but I can't help but take some of the blame for these things.” It's a terrible feeling.'
Graphic security footage captured both attacks, and as investigators got closer, they discovered that Green had posted about the attack on social media with a call to arms for neo-Nazis.
“Alright, it's officially time to shine our boots and put on our bracelets guys, this filth has to go,” he wrote.
But it was Green who had to leave last week after being jailed for malicious use of explosive materials.
“I feel like it backfired on him, you know,” drag artist Sasha Turrelle said.
Coby Dale Green celebrated his attack, writing, “It's officially time to shine our boots and strap on our armbands guys, this trash has got to go.”
The owners of The Donut Hole are pictured Sarah Swain and Brian Hunter
Investigators recovered the Molotov cocktail in the aftermath of the attack
“I don't think he expected the community to come together and work together to rebuild and repair the donut shop and get everything up and running again.”
“It saddens my heart,” said customer Johanna Merrill, “but they came back and they came back full force, so it opens my heart too.
“We are here and we are everywhere,” Lee Turrelle added.
“I mean, we're doctors, and we're lawyers, and we're teachers, and mothers, and parents, I mean grandparents, and we're also donut-slingers.”