The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned as “tragic and shocking” the deadly attack on a Manhattan man in the West Village, in which the assailant allegedly yelled anti-gay slurs before killing the victim on May 18.
According to reports, the incident started when the assailant, Elliot Morales, inadvertently bumped into the victim, Mark Carson. Mr. Carson was chased by Morales – who yelled anti-gay epithets – for several blocks. Morales allegedly shot Mr. Carson on West 8th Street near Sixth Avenue. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime and other charges including criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.
Etzion Neuer, ADL Acting New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:
This apparent anti-gay hate crime is tragic and shocking. Hate crimes affect not only the victim but reverberate throughout the community, and they warrant a priority response from law enforcement and the public.
It is distressing that there have been a string of attacks this month motivated by anti-gay animus. We applaud the New York City Police Department and its Hate Crimes Task Force for their quick response in each of these incidents and specifically for their rapid response in apprehending the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
Our community must not stand for such brutal and senseless violence, and we look forward to seeing those responsible for all of these crimes prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
This incident comes in the wake of other recent anti-gay attacks in New York City. On May 8, a victim was called a “faggot” and was struck by two males while waiting for a taxi. On May 5, two gay men were allegedly assaulted by a group of people shouting anti-gay slurs. Also on May 5, two men were arrested for allegedly beating two gay men near an after-hours billiard club.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.