New York, NY, August 4, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was horrified by the alleged arson attack on a North Tonawanda volunteer firefighter’s home following his receipt of a hate-filled threatening letter.

On August 3, the home of Kenneth Walker in Niagara County, New York was burned down while he and his family were out of the house. The attack occurred just two days after Mr. Walker received a vitriolic racist letter that stated, “n—–s are not allowed to be firefighters. No one wants you in the city.” Mr. Walker is the only African-American volunteer firefighter in the North Tonawanda Fire Department.

“We are deeply concerned and dismayed over this alleged attack against Mr. Walker and his family,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “Here is someone who honorably risks his own health and safety by volunteering to protect his community and it is disturbing that he and his family would be singled out by such hatred.

“We are confident that all members of the community will stand up against this heinous crime and that the perpetrator will be brought to justice and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Mr. Bernstein said.

Last year, ADL announced #50StatesAgainstHate, a new initiative to expand and strengthen hate crimes laws in New York State and around the country in partnership with more than three dozen national civil rights, civic, religious and cultural organizations.

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.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_News