New York, NY, October 11, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force for their investigation leading to the arrest of four young men suspected in the brutal assault of a gay man because of his sexual orientation.

The alleged perpetrators lured the victim, Michael Sandy, 28, to a popular gay spot in Brooklyn after targeting him in an online gay chat room.  Sandy was robbed, beaten and chased into oncoming traffic on the Belt Parkway.  He was listed in critical condition and is on life support.

"We applaud law enforcement for their swift work in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous hate crime," said Joel J. Levy, ADL New York Regional Director.

Mr. Levy urged the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office to pursue hate crime charges against the alleged perpetrators.  "This will reinforce the important message that hate crimes are not acceptable in our society, and that those who commit them will pay a hefty price," Mr. Levy said.

Hate crime statutes have been adopted by 45 states, including New York State.  Many of those laws are based on a model statute crafted by ADL, which has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.