A 58-year-old man in Virginia, Douglas Wayne Cornett, is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to two federal hate crimes involving attempts to kill two Latino men.
The shooting was driven by Cornett’s anger over “illegal immigration,” according to court documents. This case has highlighted the ongoing issue of hate crimes motivated by racial and political beliefs.
The Shooting Incident
The crime took place on the evening of February 28, 2024, when Cornett, armed with a 9mm handgun, followed a white box truck driven by “Victim 1” on Interstate 95. The victim noticed Cornett tailing him and, after pulling off at a gas station, called a friend for help.
The friend, who arrived shortly afterward, asked Cornett why he was following the truck. Cornett’s response was to ask how long Victim 1 had been in the U.S. After learning the victim had been in the country for about a year and a half, Cornett pulled out his gun and opened fire.
He discharged six rounds, hitting Victim 1 three times—twice in the stomach and once in the arm—and shooting Victim 2 once in the stomach. After the shooting, Cornett drove home and told his roommates about the incident.
Cornett’s Confession and Motive
Cornett was arrested on February 29, 2024, and immediately admitted to shooting the two men. In his statement to authorities, Cornett expressed his frustration with illegal immigration, explaining that he was “pissed” about undocumented migrants receiving welfare, health insurance, and other benefits.
He also shared disturbing fantasies, telling investigators he had imagined flying an Apache helicopter gunship over the border and shooting undocumented migrants in order to deter others from attempting to cross into the U.S.
Cornett’s housemates described him as someone heavily influenced by cable television news, particularly stories about non-citizens at the U.S.-Mexico border. They noted that Cornett appeared “obsessed” with the issue, which may have contributed to his violent actions.
Federal Hate Crime Charges and Sentencing
Cornett was charged with two counts of federal hate crimes involving attempts to kill and one count of discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. U.S.
Attorney Erik S. Siebert condemned the crime, stating that hate-fueled violence not only harms individuals but also damages communities by instilling fear and insecurity. Cornett’s actions reflect the danger of hatred and the importance of combating such attitudes.
Cornett is now facing the possibility of life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2025, and he could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted on all counts.
Douglas Wayne Cornett’s case is a disturbing reminder of the violent consequences that can arise from hatred and anger fueled by misinformation and prejudice. His actions not only harmed the victims but also served as a chilling example of how hate crimes can threaten the safety and security of entire communities.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the importance of addressing and preventing hate-driven violence in society.
