November 11, 2008 11:53 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2008
Contact: Marie Watteau
(202) 785-1670
NCLR CONDEMNS BRUTAL HATE CRIME ON LONG ISLAND
Washington, DC—Calling it “an outrageous and horrifying crime,” Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, condemned the fatal beating of a Long Island man on Saturday night. Marcello Lucero, a 37-year-old man from Patchogue, Long Island, was the apparent victim of a hate crime by seven teenagers who were arraigned today for his murder. According to Newsday, Suffolk County police say that the defendants “simply wanted to beat up someone who looked Hispanic.”
“While we are grateful that the authorities have taken swift action,” Murguía said, “it is important for all Americans to understand that this is part of an alarming trend taking place nationwide.” FBI hate crime statistics show that attacks against Latinos have been on the rise over the past four years. Similarly, the Southern Poverty Law Center has reported that the number of hate groups targeting Latinos and immigrants has also increased over the same period.
Murguía was particularly upset over the age of the alleged attackers. “That hate has trickled down to a new generation is very disturbing,” she said. Murguía blamed the growing climate of hate surrounding the immigration debate as part of the cause. “Words have consequences," she said. “And hateful words have hateful consequences. For too long hate groups and hate speech have dominated the national debate on immigrants, mischaracterizing all Latinos and the institutions that serve them in the process. Lives are literally in the balance.”
Over the past year, NCLR has vigorously sought to expose the growing presence of hate groups and hate speech in the immigration debate, and their relationship to the rise in hate crimes. Early this year, the organization launched www.WeCanStopTheHate.org as part of its campaign to counter this alarming trend.
Murguía said that she and NCLR extend their condolences to Mr. Lucero’s family and community, and they call on all Americans to stand up to the presence of hate groups and extremists on the airwaves and in our communities.
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Heres a message I ot on Facebook from Gov. Paterson about the killing:
Prayers for Marcello Lucero
Yesterday at 4:24pm
Today, I ask New Yorkers and all Americans to join me in mourning the death of Marcello Lucero, a Hispanic man of Ecuadorian descent who was the fatal victim of a vicious hate crime over the weekend in Suffolk County. This disgraceful act should serve as a source of outrage for all of us.
Suffolk Police tell us that Mr. Lucero and a friend were attacked late Saturday night by seven teenagers who were driving around looking for a Hispanic to beat up. The companion walking with Mr. Lucero escaped, but Mr. Lucero was stabbed to death. This senseless and cowardly attack by these teenagers cannot stand. I am directing State law enforcement agencies to assist Suffolk County officials in any way possible to ensure swift and certain justice for this heinous crime. Our State has zero tolerance for such bigotry and I urge authorities to move quickly to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.
Today, I ask that you offer your prayers to Mr. Lucero's family. I would like to extend my deepest condolences as they come to the terms with the enormous pain of this loss. Mr. Lucero's death is a jarring reminder that we must remain vigilant and continue our fight to eradicate prejudice in our words and in our actions.
By Brian November 12, 2008 09:44 AM
Thanks Bri. I love you.
By Pat Young November 12, 2008 03:41 PM
OUR PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY AND TO THIS NATION AND WORLD TO TEACH THE YOUNG TO GROW UP AND TO CARE ,LOVE AND HAVE RESPONSIBILTIES. PRAY FOR US FATHER!!
By ANGEL November 15, 2008 09:38 PM