Franklin, WI: Forward Latino, a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy and service organization with members across 29 states applauds today’s verdict that found the three assailants in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery guilty on federal hate crime charges. Per federal statue 18 U.S. Code § 249, this includes actions that “willfully causes bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, a dangerous weapon, or an explosive or incendiary device, attempts to cause bodily injury to any person, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin of any person” (18 U.S. Code § 249).
Forward Latino National President issued the following statement:
“Today a jury found the murder of Ahmaud Arbery was motivated by hate. We also know it took 74 days for the known assailants to be arrested, and that their arrest only occurred after an extensive publicity campaign that shared the startling facts and video with the American public. These facts are proof that hate does exist in our country and that there is still bias in our criminal justice system.
There are no good people on both sides. There are those who hate and those who do not. No one can proclaim “all lives matter” without also saying Black lives matter, Brown lives matter, Asian lives matter, Jewish lives matter and more. This is an opportunity for these groups and organizations that genuinely believe all lives matter to condemn bias and hate.
Our prayers go out to the Arbery family as we hope today’s verdict helps them in their healing process.
If anyone believes they have been a victim of a hate crime or knows of someone who has, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (800) CALL-FBI.”
About Forward Latino:
Forward Latino is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy and service organization dedicated to assisting Latinos pursuing the American Dream. Forward Latino fulfills its mission through advocacy, civic engagement, education, and service delivery. Forward Latino currently has members and affiliates in 29 states.
