Suspect Sought in Brooklyn Hate Crime

The New York Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating Julius Wright, who is wanted in connection with an antigay sexual assault and robbery in Brooklyn earlier this month.

According to a police bulletin, the crime occurred around 3:30 a.m. September 5 in the Bedford=Stuyvesant neighborhood. The suspect threatened the victim, a 24-year-old Hispanic man, with a simulated firearm and asked about his sexual orientation. He berated the victim with antigay epithets, and according to information circulated by advocates, sodomized him before fleeing with his property. The victim was hospitalized in stable condition.

Police have identified the suspect as Wright, a 21-year-old African-American man also known as "Stinky." Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD by calling 1-800-577-TIPS.

New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn, Brooklyn Borough resident Marty Markowitz, and City Council member Al Vann, who represents the area where the crime occurred, released a joint statement late Friday night.

"We are disgusted and horrified to hear about this incident," said the elected officials. "Hate crimes hurt everyone, and any act of violence against one member of the LGBT community is an act of violence against us all. Too often we hear about acts of violence committed against LGBT people in our city. We must put an end to the intolerance that breeds this hatred. New York City prides itself on diversity and acceptance of all its residents and this act goes against the very fiber of what our city stands for."