“I was livid to learn that a man in Staten Island, after being verbally harassed by a group of four men when leaving a bar, was assaulted and beaten just steps from his home. We have reason to believe the victim was targeted because of his Mexican background.

The news of this hate crime has troubled me deeply, as it has Council Member Debi Rose, who represents the district where this assault happened. In New York City we celebrate diversity, and it is a testament to the good people of Staten Island and every neighborhood in every borough that we host vibrant and open immigrant communities.

We condemn this violent act of intolerance and ignorance in the strongest possible terms. We must stand together to send a clear message that we will not be intimidated, we will not be afraid. This is why I’m urging anyone who witnessed this attack or who has any information about the four perpetrators of this hate crime to come forward with any information to the authorities and the anonymous hotline 1-800-577-TIPS.

My office is in touch with the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit about this incident. I am confident that law enforcement officials will aggressively prosecute those responsible for this hateful act. My thoughts go out to the victim and his family.”

Statement by Council Member Debi Rose:

“I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a member of our community. This openly blatant act of violence and hate will not be tolerated. It is in celebration of our diversity that I strongly urge anyone who has information about this brutal attack to contact authorities. Safety for all of our residents is a right and must be safeguarded. My thoughts are with Mr. Olmedo and his family.”