Man who punched Bellingham child in racially motivated attack pleads guilty

Paul Bittner, 43, pleaded guilty to assaulting a Black child in a racially motivated attack in Bellingham, Washington. The incident occurred last June near the police station when the boy was walking with Whatcom Middle School students, leaving him with a chipped tooth and a nose injury. Bittner, who is white, was initially found incompetent to stand trial, leading to five months of treatment at Western State Hospital. His case returned to court in March, where he ultimately pleaded guilty. A judge sentenced him to over three years in prison, followed by a year and a half of community custody.

The attack underscores the ongoing challenges of racial violence in the area, prompting local advocates to call for more robust measures to protect children. Community leaders emphasize the need for awareness and intervention to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and safety in schools and public spaces.