New York, NY, August 5, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for the quick apprehension and arrest of Takeam Brison, 32, who allegedly slashed the face of a woman on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on August 1.

According to reports, the victim confronted Brison after he directed virulent anti-gay slurs at her friend. Following the attack, NYPD reportedly chased the suspect for five blocks before apprehending him. Brison has been charged with felony assault as a hate crime.

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

We applaud the NYPD’s swift response to this heinous anti-gay assault. New Yorkers will not tolerate crime motivated by such hatred, and we are encouraged that this suspect will be prosecuted under these laws.

This horrific incident is yet another example of why every state in the nation should have strong, inclusive hate crimes laws. In New York State and around the country, we have been advocating for comprehensive and inclusive legislation. Just this past legislative session, we urged the New York State legislature to include gender identity in the state’s hate crime law and add ‘Gang Assault’ and ‘Making Graffiti’ to the law’s specified offenses.

Unfortunately, our city is not immune to such targeted hate. Last year, New York City witnessed several homicides and violent assaults motivated by anti-LGBT animus – and it is our responsibility to take a stand and speak out on bias against LGBT people.

ADL continues to lead national and state efforts to counteract hate crimes and recently led a coalition of major civil rights and law enforcement groups in urging the U.S. Court to uphold hate crimes law.

 

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