Press Releases
REP. ANTHONY WEINER RESPONDS TO BRUTAL HATE CRIME IN HOWARD BEACH
Queens, NY – Early yesterday, an African-American man was brutally beaten by a group of white men, who yelled racial epithets, stole his jewelry and sneakers, and struck him with a baseball bat. The attackers also chased two other African-American men, shouting racial slurs.
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn), who represents Howard Beach, released the following statement:
“This savage hate crime was an act of thuggery and bigotry which we here in Queens simply will not tolerate.
“We are not a community that puts up with hate, and we are not a community that puts up with violence. Racist brutality must not, and will not, be allowed to pollute our neighborhoods.
“The thugs who committed this cowardly violence will be met with the swift hand of justice. We will send a resounding message that violence and bigotry are not welcome here.”
Rep. Weiner has cosponsored the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would provide financial and technical assistance to local officials investigating and prosecuting hate crimes.
One of the attackers is in custody. Two remaining suspects are at large.
