Ihab Mustafa El Mahmoud Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Run Over LGBTQ+ Runners with SUV

The arrest of Ihab Mustafa El Mahmoud in West Palm Beach has drawn national attention after authorities reported that he allegedly attempted to run down members of an LGBTQ+ running group with his Ford Bronco. The incident, which occurred just after 8:20 p.m. on a Monday night, has raised concerns within the local community and prompted a broader discussion about public safety, targeted violence, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ groups in shared public spaces.

According to witness accounts and a statement released by the West Palm Beach Police Department, El Mahmoud’s actions followed a verbal encounter with one of the runners before escalating into what investigators are now reviewing as a possible hate crime.

With roughly 40 members participating in the group’s evening run, the event quickly shifted from routine exercise to a moment of terror as the vehicle reportedly accelerated toward them, forcing some to leap out of the way. As details continue to emerge, the incident has highlighted both the vulnerability of community groups and the resilience shown by those affected.

The Altercation That Preceded the Alleged Attack

Prior to the alleged attempts to hit the runners, a brief exchange reportedly took place between Ihab Mustafa El Mahmoud and one of the group members, Rudolph Galindo. According to Galindo, he had asked El Mahmoud whether he was part of the Night Runners WPB group, a question that appeared innocuous but which allegedly triggered the driver’s anger. Galindo later shared that he was the first to react when the situation turned dangerous, realizing that the approaching SUV was accelerating directly toward the runners.

He recounted that the Ford Bronco came within two feet of striking him, prompting him to jump aside in an effort to avoid impact. Witnesses provided consistent accounts to responding officers, describing how the vehicle initially sped toward the group before repositioning and making a second attempt. Police reported that the driver continued recklessly after these two passes, steering the SUV onto sidewalks, across grassy areas, and up an embankment.

These actions not only endangered the runners but also posed a risk to other people in the vicinity, given the high-traffic, pedestrian-heavy nature of the area near Okeechobee Boulevard at that time of evening. The rapid escalation of the event left many runners startled and distressed, particularly given that the group is known for its visibility and inclusivity within the wider West Palm Beach community.

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The verbal encounter that occurred moments earlier is being closely examined, with investigators attempting to determine whether it may have directly contributed to the driver’s actions or whether it reflects a deeper motive. Members of the running club described feeling shaken, with some expressing that the abrupt shift from routine activity to crisis left little time for comprehension. The emotional impact on participants, particularly in a group that prioritizes safety and mutual support, has become a central part of the narrative surrounding the event as more information is gathered.

Police Response and Details Leading to the Arrest

Following the incident, multiple witnesses contacted law enforcement immediately, prompting a rapid response from officers who reached the area shortly after the SUV fled eastbound. The West Palm Beach Police Department’s official statement detailed the sequence of events observed by witnesses and noted the suspect’s attempt to evade identification by removing the vehicle’s license plate.

Officers located a person matching the suspect’s description in a nearby parking garage along the 700 block of North Dixie Highway, where the Ford Bronco had been parked. According to authorities, El Mahmoud was taken into custody without further incident. The quick arrest was facilitated by both witness cooperation and the suspect’s identifiable vehicle, which had already been described by multiple members of the running group.

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Police confirmed that El Mahmoud, 43, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, as well as one count of reckless driving. Although these charges reflect the immediate actions that endangered the runners, officials noted that the case remains under review for potential hate crime enhancements. Such enhancements would require evidence indicating that the alleged assault was motivated by bias against the victims’ perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity.

Law enforcement has emphasized the importance of thorough investigation, especially given the sensitivity of incidents involving LGBTQ+ groups and the broader implications they carry for community safety. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, gather surveillance footage, and review potential social or behavioral factors that may shed light on the suspect’s intent. The police department’s public statements indicate that transparency will remain a priority as the investigation progresses, particularly as community members seek reassurance and clarity.

The decision to consider hate crime enhancements has also sparked conversations among legal experts and community advocates about the standards required to elevate charges in such cases. Florida state law outlines specific criteria for determining whether an offense qualifies as hate-motivated, and prosecutors must establish a clear link between the suspect’s actions and discriminatory intent. The outcome of this review may determine not only the severity of potential penalties but also how the case is interpreted within the broader context of anti-LGBTQ+ violence.

Community Response and the Impact on the Night Runners WPB Group

In the aftermath of the incident, the Night Runners WPB community has expressed both concern and determination. The group, which is known for fostering inclusive participation and encouraging members of the LGBTQ+ community to stay active and visible, responded with messages of solidarity and support for its members. Roger Jackson, the group’s president, emphasized that their commitment to meeting regularly remains unchanged.

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He stated that safety continues to be the organization’s top priority and that the group will maintain its presence and routines within the city they cherish. Many participants reported that the emotional impact of the event was significant, describing a mix of shock, fear, and uncertainty in the hours that followed. Some runners, including Galindo, shared that the sudden nature of the assault left them feeling vulnerable, particularly given that the group’s activities center around public visibility and shared community space.

The distress experienced during the incident was compounded by the knowledge that the attack occurred during an organized run attended by dozens of members, many of whom were unaware of the immediate danger until moments before the vehicle approached at high speed. Despite this, members also described a profound sense of unity following the incident. As runners checked on one another and discussed the events, a shared resolve emerged to maintain their community presence.

Galindo noted that the group’s response was compassionate and collective, with members prioritizing each other’s wellbeing and offering reassurance as they processed what had happened. This cohesion has long been a defining characteristic of the Night Runners WPB group, whose activities are built not only around physical fitness but also around mutual support and the creation of safe, affirming spaces.

Local LGBTQ+ organizations, community leaders, and allies have also voiced support, calling for a comprehensive investigation and expressing concern about the potential targeting of queer individuals in public settings.

The possibility that the incident may ultimately be classified as a hate crime has underscored ongoing conversations about safety protections for LGBTQ+ groups, especially during organized events held in shared public areas. Leaders within the community have reiterated the importance of visibility, resilience, and continued advocacy to ensure that all individuals feel safe participating in public life without fear of discrimination or violence.

As the investigation continues, the incident has become a focal point for discussions about community safety, law enforcement response, and the broader environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Florida. While the legal process moves forward, the running group’s commitment to maintaining their routines and supporting one another remains central to their identity. Their ability to regroup and continue their activities has been widely recognized as a reflection of strength within the community, even in the face of alarming events that momentarily disrupted their sense of normalcy.