Man in Philadelphia region receives 7 1/2-year sentence for involvement in ATM explosions during 2020 demonstrations

A man from the Philadelphia area has been handed a 7 1/2-year prison sentence for his involvement in a series of explosions that targeted ATMs in the city since 2020, resulting in the theft of over $400,000, according to federal prosecutors. Cushmir McBride, 25, of Yeadon, was accused alongside two others of damaging six ATMs during a spree that saw around 50 cash machines being blown up. Some incidents occurred in the aftermath of protests that erupted in the city following the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., who was killed quickly after law enforcement responded to a mental health call.
McBride admitted to conspiracy charges related to five of the robberies, with charges being dismissed for one incident in Delaware, as stated by his attorney. Lawrence Bozzelli, the defense lawyer, described the case as tragic, highlighting McBride’s intentions to financially support his family and expressing deep regret over the events that unfolded.
The trio, which included Nasser McFall, 25, of Claymont, Delaware, and Kamar Thompson, 37, of Philadelphia, targeted ATMs within Target and Wawa stores, as well as a bank branch, federal prosecutors reported. McFall was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison, while Thompson has admitted guilt and is awaiting sentencing.
Following Wallace’s death in October 2020, over 90 individuals were arrested, and about 50 police officers sustained injuries in confrontations with demonstrators and vandals. This included approximately 1,000 individuals who raided a shopping center, causing damage to property, looting, and committing theft.