Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said: “The inclusion of the Hate Crimes Modernization Act in this year’s state budget is a significant step in closing loopholes and sending the message that New York does not tolerate hate.”

“As alleged, Milton Hamlin viciously and without provocation, spewed derogatory remarks before attacking a man because of his sexual orientation,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Subway riders deserve to be safe while using our transit system, and we do not tolerate attacks rooted in discrimination. My office will work to pursue full accountability in this case and I wish the victim a speedy recovery.”   

“A Manhattan jury held Gino Sozio accountable for attacking a Muslim-American man in a vicious act of hate,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Instead of walking away from a dispute, Sozio went on an appalling racist and anti-Muslim tirade and took out a knife, seriously injuring the victim who is still in pain to this day.”

“Brandon Elliot assaulted a 65-year-old woman because of her Filipino descent,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This attack has left lasting fear and anxiety for the victim and many in the AAPI community. I hope the closure of this case will allow the victim to continue healing and moving forward, while also sending a strong message that we will seek full accountability for anyone who commits violence against their fellow New Yorkers because of their race or ethnicity.”     

“These defendants violently targeted and assaulted another individual simply because he is Jewish,” said District Attorney Bragg. “While this Office will always support the right to peacefully protest and engage in open dialogue, these multi-year prison sentences make clear that physically attacking someone because of their religion is never acceptable. I thank our Hate Crimes Unit for its diligent work in this case.”