New York – After the brutal and vicious beating and hit-and-run suffered by 28 year-old Michael Sandy this past weekend in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project expressed its deep feelings of sorrow for Mr. Sandy and his family and friends.
At present, all of the details of the incident are either not known, or not being released by police investigators, but according to news reports, on Sunday night, Michael Sandy, 28 of Williamsburg, met someone he had communicated with online. Once he met the individual, he was encouraged to drive to a remote turn-off on the Belt Parkway, where the two were met by three other men who then attempted to rob him. As he escaped the attack, Mr. Sandy ran onto the Belt Parkway where he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle fled the scene. Sandy's vehicle was later found at the rest stop with the motor still running. Mr. Sandy is still listed in critical condition.
"Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with Mr. Sandy, his family and his friends," said Clarence Patton, the Anti-Violence Project's executive director.
"We are also aware of the impact that hate violence such as this can have on the communities directly targeted, as well as the community at-large," said Patton. "For many of us, this case raises concerns and questions about how vulnerable any of us is to people who would plot and plan to do us harm," Patton continued.
"We are heartened by the quick response of the police team investigating this case, and trust that Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes will do his best to make certain that those responsible for this unconscionable attack with be brought to account," said Patton.
"There is no doubt here at the Anti-Violence Project that Mr. Sandy was targeted because he was gay. I for one, do not believe that his race was entirely irrelevant to these sick young men who likely felt that he would not put up any resistance and be too embarrassed to report the incident; whether or not they intended for things to go this far is not important - they did go this far and they are completely responsible for what has happened," concluded Patton.
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In 2005, the Anti-Violence Project served over 2,000 victims of violence. The Anti-Violence Project's Safe Dating and Internet Safe Dating Tips, as well as annual reports on hate and domestic violence can be accessed online at http://www.avp.org/ or by calling 212-714-1184.
The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project is the nation's largest service agency for victims of bias crimes against the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected communities. Since 1980, the Anti-Violence Project has provided counseling and advocacy for tens of thousands of survivors of bias-motivated and domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, HIV-related violence, and police misconduct. The Anti-Violence Project documents incidents of violence against and within LGTB communities, educates the public about the effects of violence, against or within our communities, and works to reform public policies impacting all lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected people.
The Anti-Violence Project provides free and confidential assistance to crime victims through its 24-hour bilingual hotline (212-714-1141).
