For
Immediate Release:
August 5, 2020
Council Comment on Recent Hate
Crime
On Friday,
two members of the Rochester community were assaulted on Denver Street in the
Beechwood Neighborhood. Information suggests that these individuals were
victimized as members of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the individuals sustained
multiple injuries and was admitted to an area hospital for treatment.
Upon
learning of this incident late Friday night, the City Council reached out to
the Chief of Police, who assured us that RPD would be investigating this
incident as a potential hate crime. Council President Loretta C. Scott also
reached out to the District Attorney asking that their office work with RPD to
ensure this crime be investigated and prosecuted as a hate crime, and the DA’s office has shared their commitment
to partner with RPD and at this time they intend to treat this as a hate crime
investigation.
The entire
Council stands firmly in support of the victims and condemns acts of violence
in our community, especially those inflicted on the basis of sexual
orientation, gender identity, race, religion, or disability.
Our hearts
are with the victim of this senseless act of violence and we wish them a quick
recovery. We encourage anyone who has information that could help with this
investigation to contact 911.
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Media
Contact: BJ Scanlon – 585-428-7538