New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. (Screenshot/YouTube)
NEW YORK | On the same day that a 34-year-old man was arrested for allegedly throwing bricks at the window of an LGBTQ nightclub in Hell’s Kitchen, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced new measures to stop hate crimes in the Empire State.
Speaking to reporters at an emotional press conference Nov. 22, the governor called on New Yorkers to reclaim the state from “bigots who have butchered communities’ sense of security.”
“New York belongs to the good, not those with hate in their hearts – we’re taking bold action to reclaim our city and state from the haters, bigots and white supremacists,” Hochul said.
The governor’s actions comes after the NYPD arrested two men for allegedly plotting to shoot up synagogues and wreak havoc on the Jewish community, targeted attacks on the Asian community and the recent mass-shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs.
NYPD detectives arrested Sean Kuilan Nov. 22 and charged him with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment for allegedly throwing bricks and a rock at the window of an LGBTQ nightclub in Hell’s Kitchen three times last week in what a NYPD spokesperson characterized as a potential hate crime.
Hochul, who led the state through the racist Buffalo massacre last spring, said that a horrifying mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado and a sinister anti-Semitic plot foiled in New York over the weekend offered “painful reminders that there is a rising tide of hate in our country,” the New York Daily News reported.
“This is our defining moment, New Yorkers,” the governor declared.
“Every one of us has a role to play,” Hochul said. “From this day forward, ask yourself: Did I do something to help spread the love that should be part of who we are as New Yorkers?”
After delivering her remarks, Hochul then signed two bills, Senate Bill 6570 and Assembly Bill 1202. The legislation amends the penal law to establish that in addition to other penalties, individuals convicted of hate crimes shall undergo mandatory training in hate crime prevention and education as part of their sentence. The programs, training sessions or counseling sessions must be authorized by the court or local agencies in cooperation with organizations serving the affected community.
The second measure establishes a statewide campaign, developed and run by the New York State Division of Human Rights, to promote the acceptance, inclusion, tolerance and understanding of the diversity of the people of New York. The campaign will coordinate and cooperate with public and private organizations, including but not limited to, local governments, community groups, school districts, places of worship, charitable organizations and foundations and will develop educational materials to be published on the internet, social media and other platforms to reach the public.
“Our hearts are broken after a weekend during which LGBTQ Americans were massacred and Jewish New Yorkers were targeted in horrific acts of hateful violence,” Hochul said. “New York belongs to the good, not those with hate in their hearts – we’re taking bold action to reclaim our city and state from the haters, bigots and white supremacists. Domestic-based violent extremism is the greatest threat to our homeland security, and that is why we continue to remain laser-focused on combatting hate and keeping New Yorkers safe.”
