REVOLTING NEW YEAR ASSUALT
A young lady from Highland Park was viciously assaulted in our community on New Year's Eve, after being denied admittance (she didn't have an ID) to a show at the Congress Theater.
This repulsive incident is the worst possible way to begin 2012. I'm absolutely disgusted by this attack. The perpetrators of this depravity deserve to be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by the law.
Thankfully, the young lady is now at home recovering. My deepest sympathy goes to her and her family. The strength her father exhibits in this Tribune piece is beyond admirable.
Immediately after hearing about this attack, I took a number of actions, which hopefully can prevent anything like this from ever happening again.
I'm working with CDOT to increase lighting in the area on Rockwell where the incident occurred. If the wattage cannot be increased, I will find a way to pay for additional lighting.
I met with the local community group and CAPS facilitators for their input on how anything like this can be prevented in the future. I then met with the people from Congress Theater to address their security procedures and infrastructure.
Congress is in no way accountable for this attack, but there are a number of things the community and I believe they can do to strengthen their practices. Congress has already agreed to implement many of our recommendations.
The Police assured me that they are putting every available resource on this investigation. Currently, DNA testing is underway on a number of suspects.
Next Monday, January 9, ALSO and RVA will be holding a rally in support of the victim. The rally begins at 5:30 p.m. at 2135 N. Milwaukee and will proceed to the location where the victim was found. I will be at this rally and I encourage you to attend too.
Let's make it clear that our community is repulsed by this attack and that we are unwavering in our commitment to the victim and to future prevention of such immorality.
