Houston activists push DA to consider hate crime against man who used racial slurs, spat on woman
Activists are calling on the Harris County DA to upgrade charges after a woman was allegedly assaulted and targeted with racial slurs at a Houston gas station.
Two Houston community activists are urging the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to review and upgrade charges against a man accused of assaulting a Black woman following a minor traffic crash.
The confrontation began after the woman backed into Ronald Preston Gorham’s vehicle, according to court records. Both drivers pulled into a nearby gas station, where the situation escalated and was captured on video.
Activists say Gorham used racial slurs, spat on the woman, and physically assaulted her. He is currently charged with assault.
“That is unacceptable and we are calling him out,” activist Candice Matthews said during a demonstration outside the suspect’s home. “We want him to know that Black women are protected and that Black women will be respected.”
A warrant has been issued for Gorham’s arrest.
KPRC 2 reached out to the district attorney’s office to ask whether prosecutors plan to pursue hate crime charges. A spokesperson said the case remains under investigation and that hate crime determinations are not typically made at the intake stage.
The activists say they will continue to push for accountability and stronger charges as the investigation continues.
