A brutal assault captured on video, showing a minor repeatedly kicked and struck while on the ground, is being investigated as a hate crime, the V.I. Police Department told The Consortium. The department said its Criminal Investigation Bureau and Juvenile Bureau are investigating the incident and have identified the victim and suspects, all of whom are minors.
Footage reviewed by The Consortium shows two individuals standing over the victim on a paved surface outdoors at night, repeatedly kicking and striking him. He curls onto his side and raises his arms toward his head as the attack continues, then attempts to sit up while the assailants remain over him. A shorter recording shows him seated on the pavement with blood visible around his mouth, raising his hands as people stand close to him.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr., in a statement issued Wednesday, condemned the assault and called for an investigation into whether it was motivated by the victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
“I was shocked and deeply disturbed by what I saw in that video,” Bryan said. “No young person should ever experience that kind of brutality and humiliation. Violence against someone because of who they are, or who others believe them to be, is intolerable. There is no place for it in the Virgin Islands.”
Bryan called on VIPD and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice to investigate thoroughly and coordinate with federal authorities to determine whether hate-crime charges are warranted.
“My administration will support pursuing this matter to the fullest extent of the law,” Bryan said. “We will work with our local and federal partners to ensure that every applicable avenue for accountability is examined and that those responsible are held accountable based on the evidence and with respect for due process.”
The governor urged the victim and his parents or guardians to come forward to law enforcement and encouraged witnesses and anyone with relevant recordings to provide that evidence directly to police. He also called on parents, educators, faith leaders and community organizations to confront bullying and prejudice, and emphasized the need for trusted adults, counseling and support for young people.
“To this young man and his parents, I am deeply sorry for the pain, fear and indignity this attack has caused,” Bryan said. “You deserved protection, kindness and respect.”
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett also condemned the assault in a statement issued Wednesday, calling for a hate-crime investigation and support for the victim and his family.
“All of our children matter. Every one of them is part of our community, and every one of them deserves to grow up safe, free to be exactly who they are,” Plaskett said. “An attack on one of our young people because of who they are is an attack on all of us and on the values of respect and family that define us as Virgin Islanders.”
Plaskett urged VIPD to investigate under the territory’s Hate-Motivated Crimes Act and work with federal partners as needed to hold those responsible accountable. She encouraged anyone with information to contact law enforcement and called on the community to address violence among young people and reflect on the recording and circulation of violent videos.
“To this young man and his family: you are not alone. Our community stands with you, and we are praying for your healing,” Plaskett said.
