Brandon Elliot, who served 17 years for stabbing his mother to death in 2002, has been arrested and charged in the anti-Asian attack of a 65-year-old Filipino woman in Manhattan earlier this week.
Standing Against 'Hate in All Its Forms'
Elliot, 38, was caught on surveillance camera punching and kicking the victim even as the woman fell on the ground. Elliot has been charged with one count of first-degree attempted assault as a hate crime, and two counts of second-degree assault as a hate crime.
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance said his "office will continue to stand against hate in all its forms." Vance filed the charges against Elliot.
Residents around the area said Elliot was a local homeless person. After receiving tips from residents and patroling the neighbourhood all throughout Tuesday, Elliot was taken into custody on Tuesday night.
On lifetime parole since November 2019, Elliot was arrested in July 2002 after stabbing his mother to death. He was only 19, but two years earlier, Elliot was arrested for choking his mother.
Speaking about Elliot's history of violence, president of the Police Benevolent Association, Patrick Lynch, said hate crimes in New York could have prevented if politicians did not "dismantle" a "functioning criminal justice system."
Outrage over Bystanders 'Indifference' During Assault
Surveillance footage from the scene showed that at least three people were in the lobby of a luxury apartment. The people watched as Elliot stomped on the woman's head multiple times. The footage has caused widespread outrage.
In response to the backlash, luxury apartment management group, Brodsky Organization, said that the company has suspended staff members who stood by as the assault ensued.
The company added that it is investigating the situation and is in search of a "third-party vendor" who was also present during the anti-Asian attack.
After news of the latest attack on an Asian-American went public, social media erupted with anger and disgust over the supposed "indifference" of the bystanders who were reportedly scared of lending a hand as the suspect held a knife.
Footage showed that after the attacker walked away, one of the bodyguards in the luxury apartment closed the front door as the victim struggled to stand up.
New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has urged New Yorkers to intervene whenever they witness unprovoked assaults such as the latest attack.
Other videos from earlier anti-Asian attacks also showed some people appearing to just watch as suspects beat up their victims. The repeated incidents of bystanders leaving victims to fend for themselves has sent shockwaves in the country.
Home Country Reacts in Rage
A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity identified the latest victim of anti-Asian attacks as Vilma Kari.
Kari has been discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, but the brutal assault made her suffer a fractured pelvis and a contusion to the head.
Kari's daughter said her mother has been an immigrant in the U.S. for decades. The attack has spurred condemnation from Kari's home turf, including a warning from Filipino foreign secretary, Teodoro Locsin Jr.
Locsin Jr. said the incident was "gravely noted and will influence Philippine foreign policy."
OMNI Filipino journalist Arvin Aquino said there needs to be "tangible action" regarding the issue.
Singer and songwriter AJ Rafael wrote on Twitter that he is "furious" at Elliot but "even more so" on the bystanders who did nothing while the woman was being attacked.
Broadway singer Lea Salonga said the "days are over" when her mother used to walk in Manhattan, feeling safe and nobody at home had to worry for her safety.
