New York, NY, September 3, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded the New York Police Department (NYPD) for making an arrest in the assault of an African-American man in an apparent hate crime in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

The NYPD has arrested 21-year-old Samuel Brendler and 22-year-old Ahrone Kofkase who were charged with assault as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon, for beating an African-American man who was walking his dog on August 30 near Albany and Montgomery avenues. According to law enforcement, the men punched him in the face while using racial slurs.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We applaud the NYPD for their efforts in apprehending the suspects of this shocking act of hate. The NYPD’s efficient investigation sends a strong message to the community that all acts of hate in Crown Heights and all of New York are taken seriously and that those suspected of committing hate crimes will be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Unfortunately, the Crown Heights neighborhood has experienced too many incidents like this, including recently, when members of the Orthodox Jewish community were singled out for violence.

We again call on the political leadership in Crown Heights as well as community leaders across all of the five boroughs to make clear that expressions and acts of hate have no place in our city.

 

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_NY