New Bedford Attack

Click here for New Bedford Hate Crime Victims Fund Information

 

Last night in New Bedford, a man walked into a gay bar and began attacking patrons with a gun and a hatchet.  One person suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, another had a gunshot wound to the back and severe cuts to his face, and a third received multiple cuts. The attacker, identified by police as 18 year old Jacob Robida (see photo), then fled the scene.

The directors of KnowThyNeighbor.org wish to extend our most sincere sympathies to the victims of this terrible crime as well as to their spouses, families, and friends.

He is still at large so please take note of this description below and the photo on the right:

Police described him as 5-foot-6, weighing about 200 pounds, with dark hair. He was last seen driving a green 1999 Pontiac Grand Am with Massachusetts plates 85E-C58.

Watch the NECN video here.

Read the Globe story here.

View Jacob Robida's MySpace page here.

The photo on the right of Robida with the gun was taken from his MySpace page.

Tom Lang & Aaron Toleos, Directors
Contact: (978) 335-0477, info@knowthyneighbor.org

Comments

[mark and nigel]

Nigel and I join all our brothers and sisters in solidarity with those victims and their spouses and families and friends.

May this serve as only the latest warning that homophobia destroys lives. Hatred and violence over love and peace.
That unfortunately is the message of the Right Wing.

[Anthony Naro]

There are some people who really need some serious medical counseling. My best wishes ti the families of all the victims.

[Vinny]

My thoughts are with the folks assaulted by this asshole. My only satisfaction is that the day will come when the S.O.B. will be in prison and will end up being fucked by other inmates.
The truth is it was a meaningless action by a desperate little man who is garbage.

Let's all get very angry about this!

[Sara]

my heart goes out to those suffering with this horrible, ignorant act. May you all hold your loved ones close. Why today must we find so much ignorance? My prayers are with you all.

[Marc Johnson]

My heart also goes out to the victims and their families.

I'm feeling a deep sense of sadness -- but not surprise -- over this tragedy.

With all of the vile, venomous, hate-filled rhetoric that's been spewed out over the last few years... from lecterns, soapboxes, and pulpits... something awful was bound to happen.

Whether it's a suicide bombing, a shooting at a women's healthcare facility, or a rampage at a gay bar (remember Atlanta?) ... the perpetrators were all influenced by hate.

It's time to recognize - identify - and go after the root causes and not just the reactors.

[Chris]

This violence occurs because of the homophobia that Massachusetts Family Institute is purposely inflaming in our state. To end this violence we need to end the homophobia that Kris Mineau and his buddies are spewing. Make no doubt about it folks, we are under attack. It is now that we must fight back.

[Richard and Neil]

Neil and I could have just as easily been at Puzzles last night as not. We'd considered stopping in for a drink but Neil was just too tired when he got in from work. "There but for the grace of God..." as the saying goes.

Last night's events truly bring the mood in the country home to our own doorsteps and if anything good can possibly come from this thing let it be the awareness it brings to the minds of those who would make us "go away" or think that hate crimes directed at gay and lesbian Americans are "imagined" and non-existent.

Solidarity my friends - solidarity.

Make no mistake. The numbers of Americans blindly opposed to us based on our sexual orientation is real and it grows with each new appointment to the Supreme Court, every Fundamental Christian pseudo-conviction, and every homophobic joke told innocently among "old friends".

It's time those of us who know better took a stand much as Senators Kennedy and Kerry have and refuse to allow this sort of thing to go unacknowledged and unpunished. It's time gay bashing was right up there with all Hate Crimes. And where, I might ask, is our esteemed Governor of the Commonwealth Mr. Romney?

Tellingly he's silent as the grave.

As this tragedy unfolds let's hope the miscreant Jacob Robida and his "ilk" get the message loud and clear: We're not going to sit still for intolerance and no amount of crying "ignorant" can excuse hatred in any of its guises.

Keep the faith all. It's a noble fight and one future generations will thank us for fighting. This "sissy" is holding his ground.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this heartless and dreadful crime.

[Karen]

This is yet another act of terrorism in the community that proves that equality does not yet totally exist in our society. This violence is propelled by a continuous public message that not all people are afforded basic human rights. Our government is not yet ready to understand the dynamics of why it is so important to support full human rights and that means supporting Gay Marriage. When the right to marry is not supported it is sending the message that this group is different and not deserving. When every human being is treated fairly and allowed the same opportunity it is then that we will enjoy true freedom. In the spirit of Dr. King, we need to support full human rights for all. My prayers are with those who have been hurt, your attackers are ignorant and their day of reckoning will come.

[Owen R. Broadhurst]

Colby Peterson, Communications Director for the Green-Rainbow Party, forwarded me this information:

"The suspect is still at large, considered armed and dangerous- here is his photo on CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/02/02/gay.shooting/ "

I see KTN has also posted the photo. Thank you, KTN, for this public service.

The victims of this hate crime have, thankfully, survived. Unfortunately, two such victims are still listed in critical condition.

[Owen R. Broadhurst]

Karen,

Agreed. This was indeed an act of terrorism, and acts of terrorism are precisely what hate crimes happen to be.

[Christopher Robert]

i wonder if he will be brought up on federal terrorism and/or hate crime laws. I imagine, in a case like this he will receive the harshest punishment possible.

[Owen R. Broadhurst]

Suspect was last seen driving a 1999 Green Pontiac Grand-Am with Massachusetts license plates 85E-C58.

New Bedford rallied at Puzzles, 150 strong:

http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4450661

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/02/02/about_150_attend_vigil_at_site_of_gay_bar_attack/

Associated Press reports now that only one of the victims is in critical condition.
CBS 4 Boston still reports two.

The bartender reports that assailant also wielded a machete. The gun was a 9mm.

Suspect is 5 feet, 6 inches, perhaps 200 pounts. He may be in need of medical attention, likely due to the heroic efforts of patrons who tried to disarm him of the hatchet - a head wound.

WCVB reports that the The Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus released a statement Thursday that read, "Unfortunately, we're not terribly surprised. You can't live in an environment so regularly bombarded with anti-gay rhetoric and not expect something like this to happen."

Suspect resides at 613 Country St., but is on the run. Police released a statement urging him to surrender himself.

Anyone who can help police locate the fugitive are being urged to call (508) 991-6320 or the anonymous tip line at (508) 961-4584.

WPRI reports that investigators have described the fugitive as dangerous, irrational and extremely violent. CNN reports that he may be suicidal.

Capt. Richard M. Spirlet of the New Bedford Police Department informed Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold that the fugitive still has possession of the gun.

Said Washington Post reporter quotes vigil organizer Bev Bacelli suggesting suspect may have been motivated by the heated rhetoric of equal marriage rights opponents:

"They created an atmosphere of intolerance," she said, "and that atmosphere of intolerance just exploded in New Bedford."

Said reporter quotes Rep. Barney Frank:

"This is just a deranged individual," Frank said in a phone interview.

Ray Henry from Associated Press reports:

"The bar has been egged, cars parked outside have had windows smashed, and teenagers have thrown rocks and bricks at the building's facade for years, said Dan Sheteron, 51, who lives upstairs from the bar. The side of the building is often defaced with anti-gay graffiti."

This appears to contradict Rep. Frank's suggestion that this was an isolated incident. Reports by patrons of a persistent low level of harassment in New Bedford seems at odds with the rosy portrait Frank paints of the community.

Ray Henry reports that Frank did issue a statement, read at the vigil by a city councilor, that he was "saddened" and "outraged".

New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang was in attendance at the vigil.

The Human Rights Campaign and Anti-Defamation League have each released statements deploring this attack.

In a statement issued Thursday, state senator Jarret Barrios noted "Violent crime has no place in a civil society. A hate crime deserves special attention because the suspect plans the attack and targets his victims based on hatred, bias, or prejudice. Thankfully, District
Attorney Walsh has developed a strong civil rights division to investigate and prosecute this case."

An insightful article by Kevin Haff of the Houston Voice:

http://www.houstonvoice.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=1/28/06&end=2/4/06

CBS 4 Boston reports:

"Robida has a Web site on MySpace.com, where he talks about his choice of a murder weapon being a hatchet. There are also pictures of him wielding a gun with a swastika in the back ground. There are messages posted from people who say they are friends of Robida's asking where he is."

[Owen R. Broadhurst]

Hello, Christopher-

He shall very likely be charged with hate crimes. Presently, the warrant is for three counts of attempted murder - but I believe folks really want to throw the book at him, and I'm quite sure that Barrios' faith in Walsh is not misplaced.

[Owen R. Broadhurst]

Here's the last time Mr. Robida was in the news:

http://www.s-t.com/daily/07-01/07-02-01/a09lo057.htm

[Owen R. Broadhurst]

News reports have previously noted that New Bedford High School would not confirm if Robida was a student there. Captain Spirling has stated that Robida was enrolled there previously, but is not enrolled now.

[sinful gypsy]

Hey I know that guy! Isn't he Paul Jameison's kid?!?

[mark and nigel]

Owen,

I wonder if New Bedford High had a GLESEN chapter?

You wonder what happened to a person born in 1987, an innocent baby, to 2006, an attempted homophobic murderer?

In short time, we will learn who his parents are? Heterosexual I presume. Divorced I presume. Homophobic I presume. A Portuguese-American young man probably raised in the Roman Catholic Church? Did he learn his homophobia from a self-loathing Catholic priest? Family? Friends? Christian Taliban spokesmen?

Where did he learn to hate in such a short life span? What happened to that happy innocent baby? Who told him that homophobia and homohatred was God's will? Where did he learn that we had no right to any civil or human rights whatsoever? Who told him that the basic right - the right to LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS was NOT OURS?

This man is still at large. He has not been arrested to face the Criminal Justice System yet again.

New Bedford is within Congressman Barney Frank's district. I hope that Mr. Frank finds this fight for federal legislation is not ill-advised or not polled well, right Owen L :(.

Of course, the Minions are still active - with "God" on their side.

It is time for gay and lesbian citizens to wear the Pink Triangle in an armband or sewn onto our outer wear.

Our Kristallnacht is experienced every time hate rhetoric translates into death and injury to our community.

[Mary McNulty]

Of course, I think this is perfectly horrible. I just hope that the authorities catch the kid who did this before he can do more harm. I am not gay, but, had I been there, I believe I would have yelled and screamed and hollered and done everything possible to help those who were harmed and to protect the others who were present.

Mary McNult, Norwood

[Reuben]

This is a terrible thing that's happened. Every once and a while we are all reminded of just how far some people are willing to go to show their hatred.
But I'm reminded of a documentary I once saw about Harvey Milk's assassination. During the procession a bystander on the street yelled, "Why aren't you mad!?!?! Why aren't you outraged!?!?" and reading this blog I am thinking the same thing. We're all sorry for what happened. My heart goes out to all the families involved and all the individuals who had to endure this. But I'm also pissed off!!!
I'm angry! How many times do we have to be attacked and defamed, mutilated, slandered, hated and repressed before we can all stand together and say: "Not anymore! We've have enough!"
Well, I've had enough. I am tired of the state of our country's cultural climate. I'm ready to stand up and do something. Who else is?

[Liz Athineos]

I am so sorry for the folks directly affected by this tragedy. I came out one year after Stonewall. I did not know about Stonewall until the mid 70's. Going to bars was the only place we could solicalize then. Practically speaking, on a quite weekday night, I suppose people are just in a friendly subdued mood, not hopped up like they would be on a weekend night which means they were not at all ready for any strong behavior that would put them on the alert. The patrons vulnerability was at it's height. This attack, is many more things than just a hate crime. This is terrorism. We have to be careful everywhere...........

[Richard W. Lewis, Sr.]

When one of our own is attacked anywhere
All of us are attacked everywhere

It's time to take care of our own

[mark and nigel]

Maybe for gays in MA- the New Bedford attacks is OUR 9/11.

This morning, we have heard from the silent majority of MA residents, many our age 60 years, boomers who haven't yet been moved to guarantee their rights, are now angry as hell, and won't take the animus that Mineau and his Minions, and the talibanevangelists any more.

Neither are we going to accept gentrified LGBT leaders who accept placidly the betrayal of our political allies.

Well, the Supreme Judicial Court will hopefully nullify the petition removing our rights in MA, and the first ConCon will convene in May, if the petition has not been vacated at that point.

Let your anger temper into action.

LET THE JUSTICES DO JUSTICE AGAIN

MARSHALL-THE FORCES OF JUSTICE AGAIN

THE PINK TRIANGLES ARE BLEEDING AGAIN AND AGAIN

[mark and nigel]

Look, John Hosty, they are coming out of the woodwork...new voices that are angry, lurking, and moved to speak to all of us.

All of us wish to appear peaceful and compassionate. It speaks to the better angels of our nature.

But, there is a time when ACT UP and SILENCE=DEATH had resonance with our community.

Maybe PUZZLES is our STONEWALL and it may spell the beginning of the end where a TWO PERCENT OR LESS of MA voters cheat and fraud their way into the denial of human rights for the most oppressed minority on earth.

Peace and love, brother....for the "shoe is on the other foot" LOL.

[mark and nigel]

My God, the Mineau Minions and the Resident Homophobes are silent.

Their spin so far is that we are taking advantage of a tragedy. Doesn't that spin, from them, make you want to puke.....really puke......really puke for its consummate hypocrisy !!!!!

[Pauliji]

I think this latest act of anti-gay terorism is a call to action. We must each take at least some small part in the fight to win true equality and acceptance. Please join with your neighbors and friends to lobby your legislators to win marriage rights, hate crimes protection and to counter the message that society is constantly hearing from the Religious Reich. We must not be disheartened, but rather we should be outraged and active. Let's not let this man's action take away our will to move forward. In many ways, the elevated level of homophobia we've been experiencing lately is a result of our increased success and visibility. We're the only state in the nation with legal gay marriage. That's why the homophobic institutions have stepped up their attacks. Because they know we've made a beachhead here, and it scares the bejezus out of them.