Officials Make Statement Following Recent Racist Incidents

In lieu of a number of recent local racist incidents a local official made a statement that criticizes the acts, and helps those who feel they’ve been discriminated against.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that the Orange County District Attorney’s Office joined the New York State District Attorney’s League of Immigrant Affairs that reaffirms Orange County will not tolerate acts of violence that target people because of their nationality, immigration status, race, sexual orientation or gender.

“If you or someone you know is the victim of a hate crime or immigrant fraud crime, do not be afraid to come forward,” Hoovler stated. “The public is urged to call 911 if they are in danger or need immediate assistance, and the statement reminds everyone, including immigrants, that the District Attorney’s Office is there to protect their rights.”

Recently, a swastika was drawn on a Marist campus bathroom stall and a woman reported she was accosted with shouts of “go back to Africa.” While, racist graffiti that bashes Muslims and immigrants while referencing ISIS and Donald Trump was found at a SUNY New Paltz.

Under the Orange County District Attorney’s Office’s Immigrant Affairs initiative, an immigrant who believes they are a victim can call the Immigrant Affairs Coordinator to report the crime. The coordinator will ensure that the complaint is sent to the right person to investigate.

Victimized immigrants may report any type of crime, including violent crimes, human trafficking, domestic violence, and frauds

"It must be well understood that this Office will not tolerate acts of violence, whether they are based on the victim's race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference or identity, or any other constitutionally protected classification, or based on the victim's political affiliation.” said Hoovler. “We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any act of violence committed based on those factors, or committed for any other reason.”