June 17, 2008, Boston, MA … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today strongly condemned the vicious attack allegedly perpetrated by as many as 12 young men and women against Tizaya Robinson, 17, in Marshfield, MA.  The League praised law enforcement for the timely arrests of seven suspects and for pursuing hate crime charges in the assault.

"We condemn this senseless and brutal attack and applaud the work of Marshfield Police in apprehending the suspects in this attack against Mr. Robinson and by extension the entire African-American community," said Robert O. Trestan, ADL Eastern States Civil Rights Counsel.  "It sends an important message that hate crimes are abhorrent and will not be tolerated."

Witnesses report that the group of attackers brutally beat Robinson, who is black, while shouting derogatory racial statements.  According to reports, they attacked Robinson with knives, broken beer bottles and sticks even after he was knocked unconscious.

ADL's New England Regional Office is in contact with local community leaders and law enforcement in response to the attack.

"Hate crimes have an impact far beyond the individual victim," said Mr. Trestan. "Hate crimes effectively intimidate other members of the victim's community leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected by the law. It is critical for community leaders and law enforcement to send a strong message to the perpetrators and the community."

Hate crime statutes have been adopted by 45 states, many of which are based on a model statute crafted by ADL. The League has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity.