More outrage over possible hate crime

There's more outrage over a possible hate crime case in Buffalo. One crusader against violence is calling for stiff penalties once the attackers are caught.

Brian Milligan, Junior still has some bleeding on the brain, says his family, and will require plates in his jaw, which must now be wired closed in order to heal.

Brian Milligan, Senior said, "Twelve young men jumped on him with a brick and told him he shouldn't have come down to that area." (August 20, 2009)

The family believes Brian was targeted by a gang of African-American teenagers, because he is dating Nicola Fletcher, who is Black.

Community activist Charles Burgin is "totally outraged."

Burgin, whose brother's unsolved 1993 murder still haunts him, wants wants Brian Milligan's assailants to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Burgin said, "I'm calling for arrests, calling for justice, stiff sentences, no leniency whatsover, 'cause it was totally barbaric."

Interracial couples and integration are more common in the South, says Reverend Darius Pridgen , than in Buffalo.

Rev. Pridgen of True Bethel Baptist Church said, "I see interracial couples much more in the South, much more accepted, even in the seat of racism, Alabama, Mississippi. In Buffalo, it's still kind of odd to see."

Fletcher said, "When I first dated him actually, when I would walk down the street, they would make comments." (August 20, 2009)

Brian's girlfriend doesn't understand how racial hatred can be so intense, but she wants justice.

What would she like to see happen now?

Fletcher said, "I would like to see whoever did it to come forward, or either the police find out who did it."

Burgin said, "Sometimes race plays a part and you can't hid behind that. They were black. That was barbaric and senseless. They must be held accountable."

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Rich Fontana is offering a thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the beating. The Buffalo Police tipline is 847-2255.

There is also a fund drive that's been started for Brian's medical expenses.
Donations can be sent to:

Brian Milligan, Jr. benefit account

c/o Leslie Milligan

Bank of America

6041 Transit Road

Depew, NY 14043