Congresswoman Plaskett Condemns Brutal Attack on Young Man

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland October 28, 2026                                                    202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS BRUTAL ATTACK ON YOUNG MAN U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in response to a video circulating on social media that shows a young man being beaten, apparently because of his sexual orientation: “I was very upset by the video of a young man being beaten by several individuals, seemingly for no reason other than who he is. “All of our children matter. Every one of them is part of our community, and every one of them deserves to grow up safe, free to be exactly who they are. An attack on one of our young people because of who they are is an attack on all of us and on the values of respect and family that define us as Virgin Islanders. “I am asking on the Virgin Islands Police Department to investigate this attack as a hate crime under the territory’s Hate-Motivated Crimes Act and to work with federal partners as needed to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable. I urge anyone with information to come forward to law enforcement. The violence and anti-social behavior among our young people has to be addressed. As a community we need to also reflect on the continued taping and circulation of violent, negative videos; it doesn’t reflect positively on our values as a people. “To this young man and his family: you are not alone. Our community stands with you, and we are praying for your healing.” ###