Columbia men accused of federal hate crime

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Two Columbia men are facing federal hate crime charges and are accused of armed robberies specifically targeting Hispanic victims, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of SC.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department says Charles Clippard and Michael Knox targeted people identified as Mexican or Hispanic in public places like gas stations or grocery stores.

Officials say the men are also facing car-jacking and gun charges.