Statement on Hate Crimes Charges in Boston

Police Accountability, Racial Justice

On behalf of the Vasquez family, victims of a hate crime in East Boston, Lawyers for Civil Rights applauds the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for bringing felony hate crime charges against Jenny Ennamorati and Stephanie Armstrong.

This is an important step toward holding Ennamorati and Armstrong accountable for the vile and violent attack against a hard-working immigrant mother and her 15-year-old daughter based on their race, identity, culture, and native language.

As the District Attorney made clear: “There is no place for hatred or bigotry in Suffolk County.”

This prosecution will go a long way in setting a powerful precedent for addressing the wave of hate that has spiked in Massachusetts and across the country. Lawyers for Civil Rights stands ready to assist prosecutors and law enforcement in the Vasquez case and in all other hate crimes against our diverse communities.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the Vasquez family as they continue to heal. On behalf of the family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all individual and community support. Thank you.