Boulder issues statement concerning hate crime assaults
Rocky Mountain News
Published March 12, 2007 at midnight
Boulder officials are speaking out against two assaults this weekend that appear to be motivated by intolerance.
In one on Saturday in the area of 10th Street and University Avenue, a 19-year-old man of mixed race was assaulted by two men who asked "Are you black or white?" and then used the "n" word toward him.
The suspect also reportedly made comments about Nazis shaving Jewish people, before grabbing the victim’s hair and holding it back, as though he were bald, according to the victim. The victim reported that the suspect then shoved him and punched him in the face, causing him to fall. While he was on the ground, he was kicked in the face by a second male.
His friend, an 18-year-old man, also was assaulted when he stepped in to help his friend.
In the other incident, a man was attacked early Sunday morning for having his arm around his male friend.
In the statement from Boulder Mayor Mark Ruzzin and City Manager Frank Bruno, they say:
"We are very disturbed by reports of several assaults and brawls throughout the city this past weekend. Two assaults in particular that involved derogatory statements about the victim’s race and sexual orientation are extremely troublesome as they fall on the heels of an assault in February that is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
"First and foremost we would like to express compassion to the victims in these cases. An attack on a community member for any reason, including sexual orientation, race or any other bias, threatens the feeling of safety and security within Boulder’s diverse populations and will not be tolerated. We believe that diversity enhances our community and is to be embraced and celebrated. These shameful acts do not represent the values of our city.
"The Boulder City Council and city of Boulder management will support its police department in the enforcement of state laws relating to such incidents and any potential hate crime to the fullest extent possible.
"We encourage anyone with information to come forward by contacting Boulder police at 303-441-3330 or CrimeStoppers at 800- 222-TIPS (8477) or 800-444-3776. Tips can also be www.crimeshurt.com."
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