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Islip Forward says its deputy director, Joshua Chan, was physically assaulted by the chief of staff for Suffolk Legislator Sam Gonzalez, during an event led by the legislator with guest speaker New York state Sen. Monica Martinez Friday.
News 12 has reached out to both Gonzalez and Martinez for comment and what led to the alleged altercation.
MORE: Video of the incident
State Sen. Martinez sent News 12 a statement:
"Today, an individual gained entry to a ticketed International Women’s Day event where I was an invited speaker by using false credentials and a disguise in order to confront state and local officials. This type of behavior should concern all of us.
At a time when political tensions are high and threats against public officials are rising, misrepresenting your identity to gain access to an event creates an unnecessary risk for everyone involved. Situations like this are one of the reasons I ‘ve sponsored legislation currently pending in the state legislature to strengthen protections for public servants.
The national debate over immigration enforcement has become increasingly heated, and it is clear the issue is stirring strong emotions across Long Island. Immigration policy is an important issue that deserves serious debate with the federal representatives who have the authority to change it, but a women’s luncheon with state and county officials is not the place for it."
This is a developing story. Check in tonight for more updates.
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