CAMP Rehoboth Responds to Reported Hate Crimes in Rehoboth Beach on August 17
We, at CAMP Rehoboth, are deeply saddened and outraged by the recent hate crimes that targeted members of our LGBTQ+ community here in Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, August 17. These violent acts, which stand in stark opposition to the values of respect and equality, have left us feeling vulnerable and shaken.
Hate crimes of any kind are not just attacks on individuals; they are assaults on the very fabric of our shared humanity. We want to make it clear that such acts of hatred and violence have no place in our community. The safety and well-being of every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is paramount.
We want to express our gratitude to Rehoboth Beach Chief of Police Keith Banks for the department's swift response once the victims contacted police which resulted in the capture and arrest of the five individuals who perpetrated this act of hate. Special thanks also goes out to the Dewey Beach Police for their assistance in apprehending the individuals.
In response to these heinous crimes, CAMP Rehoboth has been in close contact with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and offered support services to ensure that those affected receive the help they need.
"The Rehoboth Police Department makes maintaining the public safety of LGBTQ+ people a top priority. For more than thirty years, CAMP Rehoboth has worked closely with local law enforcement providing diversity, equity, and inclusion education and training for their officers on LGBTQ+ issues, as well as providing resources and support to members of the community in times of crisis such as this," said Executive Director Kim Leisey, PhD.
To the victims of these crimes and to all who are feeling afraid or unsafe, please remember that you are not alone. CAMP Rehoboth remains a safe space for all, and we are committed to supporting each and every member of our community through this difficult time.
Let us stand together in our resolve to reject hatred and violence. Let us reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all. We are stronger when we are united, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards a world where every individual can live free from fear and discrimination.
Rehoboth Beach Police DepartmentOn Saturday August 17, 2024 at approximately 2:00 a.m., three women flagged down an officer after being confronted by multiple juveniles who ultimately fired an Airsoft gun at them before fleeing in a vehicle. As a result of their investigation, officers determined that the victims were in the area of Baltimore Avenue and Second Street when a vehicle drove past them and then came to stop. Five juveniles exited the vehicle and approached the women, making statements that their behavior in public was not appropriate. During the exchange, one of the juveniles fired an Airsoft gun at the women and all five returned to the vehicle and fled the area. The vehicle was located and stopped by a Dewey Beach Police Officer along the Coastal Highway corridor in Rehoboth Beach. All five juveniles and an adult driver were taken into custody without incident. Once in custody, it was determined that the only reason the suspects stopped to confront the victims was due to their perception of the victim’s sexual orientation. All suspects were from Delaware; juvenile age 15 from Rehoboth Beach, juvenile age 15 from Blades, juvenile age 14 from Rehoboth Beach, juvenile age 14 from Lewes, juvenile age 15 from Rehoboth Beach, and Jerome Charleston, 21 of Bridgeville.All juveniles were charged with the following and released to a parent or guardian:· Aggravated Menacing X3 Felony· Offensive Touching X3 Misdemeanor· Hate Crime X3 Misdemeanor· Conspiracy in the Third Degree Misdemeanor· Disorderly Conduct MisdemeanorCharleston was charged with Disorderly Conduct and summonsed to appear at court at a later date.