Vigil Held For Victim Of Brooklyn Bias Attack
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Friends, family and community members held a vigil Wednesday night for the victim of an alleged hate crime in Brooklyn.
Outside the hospital where Mario Vera, 37, is fighting for his life with brain damage, supporters called on his attackers to turn themselves in.
"I ask the press to join the cause, I invite everyone to join our cause. Because if today it was us, tomorrow, who knows, it could be anyone," said the victim's wife, Ana Marie Gallardo.
Vera was beaten by at least three men who yelled anti-Mexican slurs in northern Brooklyn last month. Supporters say he is not doing well.
"He's the same as the first day he came in, still doesn't recognize his family. He doesn't hear he doesn't talk he barley can walk so it's pretty much in the same condition. The good news is the hospital is covering medical expenses, that's great for the family because they need money to take the train," said Walter Sinche of the International Ecuadorian Alliance.
"This is a city of immigrants, a city of diversity and I have a message for the people who did this to Mr Vera, you should turn yourself in. You are not New Yorkers, you are hateful, ignorant people," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
Police say they are making little progress in the investigation into Vera's beating and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The NYPD is offering a $12,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information about the case is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, by texting TIP577 to CRIMES, or by going to NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.