“These anti-LGBT hate crimes are vile, horrifying and unforgivable. These attacks are appalling and are even more despicable because the victims were clearly targeted in acts of hate simply because they are gay. The cowardly few who committed these crimes do not represent New Yorkers and our community will not be cowed by such violence.

I thank and commend the NYPD and the Hate Crimes Task Force for acting so quickly on this matter. Hate crimes and assault of any kind is something that is not taken lightly in our city. The people who committed these horrific crimes should know that they will not get away with this. Each person involved in this appalling incident will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

I ask anyone with information on the two assailants still at large to call the NYPD immediately with the information. Know that reporting information on this and any crime will be kept confidential and anonymous. New Yorkers can call 1-800-CrimeStoppers with the information.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families through this very troubling time.”

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