Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust is prosecuting the case

Following an investigation by the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust, a New Castle County grand jury charged a Dover man with multiple felonies for removing and pointing a handgun toward others while he participated in a counter-protest on September 24, 2020.  Michael Hastings, 60, is charged with Reckless Endangering First Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence. The Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust will lead his prosecution.

“The right to free expression should be free of danger,” said Attorney General Jennings. “This is not responsible gun ownership.  A firearm is a deadly weapon, period, and there is never a good reason to point it toward anyone except in self-defense. Mr. Hastings’ actions endangered others and we will prosecute him fully.”

The DOJ reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt.  Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

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