In late April 2019, Eric Hancock accepted a sentence of one year imprisonment on a single charge of unlawful wounding, a class 6 felony in Virginia, in a non-cooperating plea agreement. The decision to accept this plea came after a year awaiting trial. Initially charged with both malicious wounding and aggravated malicious wounding, Eric faced a mandatory 25 years in a state that does not offer parole.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 19th, 2018, which began with a fascist-affiliated band—The Sentinels, playing a show in downtown Richmond. This show eventually lead to a confrontation in which several white supremacists pulled out knives. Eric was stabbed outright and defended himself, which led to his being charged with the injuries sustained by two of his attackers. Between medical and legal expenses resulting form this attack, Eric is facing not only imprisonment, but also debt.

Eric’s support team is working to cover a bevy of medical and legal costs, and have set a goal of $15,000. Eric turned himself into custody February 28th with the full support and appreciation of comrades in Richmond and across Virginia. He has endured injury, injustice, and self-sacrifice with integrity, and his friends, family and supporters appreciate his commitment and bravery. For now, the best means of donating to Eric’s support is via Venmo: @SupportEric