The Marine called a racist and subsequently assaulted by a gang of teenagers outside a Washington, D.C., McDonald’s is calling on the Black Lives Matter activist group to condemn the attack.
Chris Marquez, a decorated Marine veteran who received the Bronze Star for valor during his service in Iraq, was cornered by a group of black teenagers Feb. 12, who allegedly asked him “do you believe black lives matter?” He was later followed out the door and brutally hit on the side of the head by a suspect wielding a handgun. Video shows a number of individuals descend on Marquez as he lays unconscious, stealing his possessions and kicking his body. (VIDEO: Police Release Video Of McDonald’s Assault On Marine)
“I still believe this was a hate crime and these cowards were motivated by the Black Lives Matter movement,” Marquez told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “They may not be card-carrying members but they were definitely motivated by this movement and I believe the leaders of Black Lives Matter have a responsibility to vigorously condemn all acts of violence and not just acts of violence against the black community.”
Marquez believes this attack is symptomatic of some of the more inflammatory rhetoric heard from the movement. He argues the group needs to make it clear it does not support or condone this type of violence. Marquez says racial hatred is an evil that we must not let consume America. (RELATED: Marine Allegedly Assaulted Mid-Burger At McDonald’s, As Gang Yelled ‘Do You Believe Black Lives Matter?’)
“Being a veteran, it kills me to see such ugly racial division in our country,” Marquez said. “I spent too much time fighting in other countries that allowed ethnic and religious division to rip their societies apart. It’s something we do not want in America. As long as Black Lives Matter remains silent on hate crimes against white people they will continue to lose credibility and accomplish no real policy change.”
Marquez says he is grateful and moved by the outpouring of support he has received from the community and Americans across the country. Honor Brewing Company, a local D.C. brewery, said it will match the $1,000 reward posted for information leading to the capture of those involved in the assault, reports WUSA9.
“I am very grateful and proud that Honor Brewing Company is offering $1,000 to anyone who helps D.C. police identify the people who attacked and robbed me at McDonald’s,” Marquez told TheDCNF. “It was a very traumatic experience and I feel very blessed to have such remarkable and patriotic people supporting me and I hope this reward will help get these racist cowards off the streets before they attack again.”
Danny Amoruccio, a patriotic citizen who says he has no ties to Marquez, started a Go Fund Me campaign for the Marine Feb. 16 in an effort to lend him a hand in recovery. Almost $20,000 has been raised, reports Fox 5.
“I don’t believe words can really describe how thankful I am about all the positive support I have been receiving from Americans across this beautiful country,” Marquez told TheDCNF. “It only strengthens my love for the United States and reinforces my view that we are truly an exceptional and great country. God Bless America!”
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