New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. issued the following statement at a news conference organized by the Black-Jewish Alliance to condemn the recent violent incidents in Crown Heights, Brooklyn:

Whether they are formally designated as bias crimes or not, the attacks on 16-year-old Alon Sherman and 20-year-old Andrew Charles must not lead them, their families, or their communities to lose confidence in our city to investigate these attacks and punish the perpetrators. We must continue to speak out against acts of hate in our city. There surely are no more intimidating symbols of hate than the swastika and the noose, and in recent months these symbols have been used too often to inflict pain. Black and Jewish leaders in New York City must stand together, as we are today, to condemn violence in our communities and join forces to work with our neighbors and law enforcement so that all residents can live and work in safety and respect for one another.

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