Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
Speaker Quinn, elected officials and community leaders condemn Staten Island hate crime
Community praises swift action by NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force
Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Council Member Debi Rose, Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro, State Senator Diane Savino, Assembly Members Matthew Titone, Lou Tobacco and Michael Cusick denounced a violent hate crime against a Mexican man in Staten Island's Port Richmond neighborhood on early Monday morning. Reverend Troia of Project Hospitality, Ruben Beltran, Consul General of Mexico, Gonzalo Mercado from El Centro and Make the Road NY joined the City Council members in their condemnation of the vicious attacks.
During the press conference, it was disclosed that NYPD had made three arrests with regards to this incident. The perpetrators, residents from Staten Island, were taken into custody this morning. Police are still looking for the forth attacker.
"We all strongly denounce the hate that exists around us and work together to fight against those that demonize others and allow stereotypes to lead them to acts of unconscionable violence," said Speaker Quinn. "We are all partners against hate. When we come together, to stand up, every time we witness an act motivated by hate, we will send the message that we will not stand for the destruction that comes along with it. I thank the NYPD for their swift response in apprehending these thugs. "
"I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a member of our community," said Council Member Debi Rose. "This openly blatant act of violence and hate will not be tolerated. Safety for all of our residents is a right and must be safeguarded. My thoughts are with Mr. Olmedo and his family."
"As a son of immigrants who never spoke English, I know what it's like to face bias due to nationality. I want to make it clear that this is NOT the face of Staten Island," said Borough President Molinaro. "We are a proud and diverse community and we will not tolerate this type of crime."
Rodulfo Olmedo was attacked just steps from his home by four men early Monday morning after leaving a bar in the area. He was viciously beaten by a wooden object and was robbed of his belongings. Because he was attacked from behind the victim was not able to see his attackers nor provide a description to the authorities. He is currently is in stable condition at Ramsey University Medical Center.
The Office of the Speaker and the City Council urges anyone who might have any information about the fourth attacker of this crime to come forward immediately by contacting to the New York Police Department's Crimestoppers Unit at 1-800-577-TIPS or by texting "Crimes" (274637).
Anyone with a tip may also go to www.nypdcrimestoppers.com with any information.
April 9, 2010