Congresswoman Plaskett Condemns Brutal Attack

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS  BRUTAL ATTACK ON YOUNG MAN 

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the  following statement in response to a video circulating on social media that  shows a young man being beaten, apparently because of his sexual  orientation: 

“I was very upset by the video of a young man being beaten by several  individuals, seemingly for no reason other than who he is. 

“All of our children matter. Every one of them is part of our community, and  every one of them deserves to grow up safe, free to be exactly who they are.  An attack on one of our young people because of who they are is an attack on  all of us and on the values of respect and family that define us as Virgin  Islanders. 

“I am asking on the Virgin Islands Police Department to investigate this  attack as a hate crime under the territory’s Hate-Motivated Crimes Act and  to work with federal partners as needed to ensure those responsible are held  fully accountable. I urge anyone with information to come forward to law  enforcement. The violence and anti-social behavior among our young people  has to be addressed. As a community we need to also reflect on the continued  taping and circulation of violent, negative videos; it doesn’t reflect positively  on our values as a people.  

“To this young man and his family: you are not alone. Our community stands  with you, and we are praying for your healing.” 

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