WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement concerning the recent hate crime attack in San Diego during gay pride weekend.
"The fair-minded people of San Diego responded with understandable outrage and that concern was met with swift action by local law enforcement. The brutality of these attacks is beyond the pale and left an entire community angered and stunned. San Diego residents - gay and straight - came together as one community to help police find the criminals and sent a loud message that hate crimes will not be tolerated. We commend the strong leadership of the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center and the San Diego Police Department for their hard work and resolve to find the suspects and make the people of San Diego feel safe again. As the case moves forward, our hearts and sympathies are with the victims and families affected by this violence," said Solmonese.

Three men, ages 24, 17 and 16, have been charged with multiple felonies in the five separate attacks on six gay men that occurred after pride festivities last weekend. One victim, who suffered a fractured skull and needed a tracheotomy to breath, is still in the hospital.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.