Trump Condemns Boston Beating of Hispanic Man After Praising ‘Passionate’ Supporters

Following reports about the arrest of two Boston men for allegedly assaulting and urinating on a homeless Hispanic man, people wondered what Donald Trump might have to say about their claiming inspiration from his anti-illegal immigrant rhetoric. A day later, Trump spoke out:

Boston incident is terrible. We need energy and passion, but we must treat each other with respect. I would never condone violence.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 21, 2015

Scott and Steve Leader pled not guilty to their charges before court on Wednesday, but their behavior in custody and reported conversations have indicated that Trump and anti-Latino sentiment are at the root of the matter. “Donald Trump was right, all these illegals need to be deported,” Scott Leader allegedly told police.

When Trump first heard about the story, he called the attack “a shame” before offering praise for his “passionate” supporters.

“I will say that people who are following me are very passionate,” Trump said to The Boston Herald. “They love this country and they want this country to be great again. They are passionate.”

[Image via Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office]

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