A man from Michigan has been convicted for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service worker after she delivered campaign flyers for Kamala Harris to his mailbox. Russell Valleau, 62, was found guilty of assaulting a federal employee, with the jury acquitting him of using a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred on September 26, when Valleau approached the postal worker, who was sitting in her truck on Rockwell Street in Farmington Hills, about 25 miles northwest of Detroit. Valleau began to shout profanities at her, clearly upset about receiving the political flyers, and launched into a racist tirade, using derogatory slurs, including “F you … Suck my d, you Black b.”
Valleau’s anger was directed at the Black mail carrier and the political message represented by the mailers from then-Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He reportedly told the carrier that he didn’t want that “Black b in my mailbox” and insisted he was tired of receiving what he referred to as “Black, nasty b mail.” When the carrier suggested that if he didn’t want the mail, he could leave it in the mailbox, Valleau repeated his offensive remarks, continuing to insult her and telling her to “do your f in’ job.”
In an attempt to deescalate the situation, the postal worker rolled up her window. However, Valleau, in a threatening manner, pulled out a knife and made a motion toward her. Fearing for her safety, the carrier then used her USPS-issued pepper spray, spraying him in self-defense. A neighbor who witnessed the incident corroborated the postal worker’s account of the events, adding that she heard Valleau scream, “Ow, my eyes,” and fall into a nearby ditch. The police also noted that Valleau appeared to be intoxicated at the time.
The following day, police interviewed Valleau, who denied physically engaging with the carrier and claimed he didn’t remember what he had said to her. However, authorities noted that his racist behavior persisted, as he continued to use slurs even after being taken into custody. When officers reprimanded him for his language, he allegedly responded with even more offensive remarks.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck condemned Valleau’s actions, stating, “A letter carrier was simply trying to do her job, and this defendant physically attacked her while using racist and offensive language. This type of behavior has no place in our community and will not be tolerated.” In addition to the federal charges, Valleau faced state charges related to the assault, including felony ethnic intimidation and misdemeanor assault. Ethnic intimidation, which is classified as a felony, carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison, while the assault charge could lead to up to three months behind bars.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald weighed in on the case, emphasizing that the incident was a reminder that no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race or their role in delivering political messages. “In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote. Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job,” she said. “Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases.”
The federal conviction means Valleau now faces up to a year in prison when he is sentenced on May 27. The status of the state charges remains unclear. Regardless, the case has sparked public outrage, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of race, politics, and hate crimes in the United States. It also brings to the forefront the dangers that postal workers and other public service employees can face while simply performing their jobs in the midst of a politically charged environment.
