Thugs attacked a Staten Island teen on his way home from work, beating and robbing him while yelling anti-Mexican slurs, according to a published report.
The assault on the 17-year-old immigrant marks at least the seventh violent, ethnically-charged incident that happened in the neighborhood since April, and comes just hours after Port Richmond residents gathered to brainstorm ways to stem the tide of anti-Hispanic violence surging in their community, according to the Staten Island Advance.
In the latest incident, the victim was robbed of $10 and suffered facial lacerations, a black eye and bruises, reports the Advance. He was treated and released from Richmond University Medical Center. NYPD hate crimes investigators are on the case, now for the 11th time in three months.
"This morning's beating is not only an act of violence, it is an act of defiance, which flies in the face of a community putting forth its best effort to create a peaceful and safe neighborhood. Targeting an underage youth is particularly disturbing and takes this violence to a deeper level," Rev. Terry Troia, speaking on behalf of Communities United for Respect and Trust, a coalition to grapple with Port Richmond's recent racially-charged problems, told the Advance.
Even more disconcerting, last night's attack happened with police already on high alert – and standing guard on virtually every corner in Port Richmond, reports the Advance.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn condemned the most recent assault.
"The recent spate of bias-related hate crimes in Staten Island is a tragedy that warrants the full support of the New York City Council and the attention of all New Yorkers," Quinn said in a statement. "We cannot and will not rest until all Staten Islanders know their neighborhoods are safe for all, no matter who they are or who they are perceived to be. The City Council is committed to working until this disturbing trend has been brought to an end."
Last week, five men attacked the 40-year-old Mexican man Friday night as he was walking home after a soccer game at Faber Park, cop said. The attackers allegedly pummeled him while yelling anti-Mexican epithets. The man suffered head trauma, a fractured jaw and needed ten stitches above his eye, officials said.
The group of men made off with his backpack.
Last week's incident prompted the Mexican Consulate to post personnel in Staten Island until further notice, according to the Advance. This move is an effort to safeguard the rights of individuals and effectively assist and provide information to the Mexican residents of this area.
The Guardian Angels, lead by Curtis Sliwa, have also pledged to patrol the area. Make the Road New York, a local community group that serves the communities of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island is organizing a march that will take place on Wednesday.
Mexican officials have also created an information line that for immigrants to contact if they are afraid to contact authorities directly, the number is 1-800-724-7264.
