Boston, MA, February 2, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) New England Regional Office today expressed horror and outrage at the shooting and machete attacks at a gay bar in New Bedford, MA, which authorities have described as an apparent hate crime.

Dennis Kanin, ADL New England Regional Board Chair, along with Andrew Tarsy, ADL New England Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We are outraged at the vicious crime that appears to have been a deliberate attack against individuals because of their sexual orientation.  ADL commends the New Bedford Police Department for their thorough and speedy investigation and identification of a suspect.  We are confident that the perpetrator will be arrested and brought to justice for what we believe may be a hate crime.

Our hearts go to out to the victims, their families and the entire community.  This type of violent crime is rare in the New England area; however, all hate crimes are significant because of the impact that they have on the entire community. The New Bedford Police Department and municipal leadership treat such crimes very seriously and are to be commended for their high level of responsiveness.

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.