Plaskett calls for hate-crime probe after viral assault on young man in Virgin Islands

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett condemned a viral video showing a young man beaten over his sexual orientation and called for a hate-crime investigation.

Plaskett demands hate-crime investigation after beating caught on video

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett has publicly condemned a viral assault on a young man, reportedly targeted because of his sexual orientation, and is calling on the Virgin Islands Police Department to open a hate-crime investigation, quiverquant.com reports.

Plaskett said she was "very upset" after viewing a social media video showing the young man being beaten. The attack, she said, appeared to have occurred for no reason other than "who he is."

Call for formal investigation

Plaskett urged the Virgin Islands Police Department to pursue the case under the territory's Hate-Motivated Crimes Act. She also asked authorities to engage federal partners if the investigation requires it, and called on anyone with information to come forward to law enforcement.

Community solidarity

In her statement, Plaskett addressed both the violence itself and the circulation of the video online, saying both demand a community response. She told the young man and his family they are "not alone," adding that the broader community stands with them and is praying for his recovery.

No arrests had been publicly announced at the time of the press release.

Source: Google News VI — Crime