“Early last Saturday morning an openly gay man, Joseph Holladay, was attacked and brutally beaten, his attackers were heard using hateful gay slurs. This is not simply a hate crime that just affected one victim, this is a hate crime that impacts the entire LGBT community. Hate of any kind is unacceptable and unwarranted in our City. We are a City that does not take these acts lightly.

“We are encouraged to hear that the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating this case. The perpetrators who committed this crime will be found, prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law. My office will work with New York City’s Anti-Violence Project, the NYPD’s LGBT liaison Tim Duffy and the 19th Precinct to ensure this crime is not left unsolved and those who committed this heinous act will be brought to justice.

“For anyone who may have witnessed this violent act, I urge you to call 1-800-577-TIPS with any information.”