New Haven FBI, NBA, movie stars with CT connections urge residents to stand up to hate crimes
The FBI New Haven Field Office on State Street
Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media
NEW HAVEN – The New Haven office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with movie and basketball luminaries, urged residents to stand up to hate crimes across the state in a video message posted Monday.
Connecticut State Special Agent David Sundberg was joined by actor Michael Jai White and NBA veterans Scott Burrell, Allan Houston and Vin Baker for the public service announcement.
The four celebrities have local ties: White is working to start a movie studio in New Haven; Burrell is the men’s basketball coach at Southern Connecticut State University. Houston previously worked as general manager for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League, who play Bridgeport this season; Baker is from Old Saybrook.
“If you are a victim or witness of a hate crime, we ask that you report the incident to local police or the FBI,” said Houston, two-time star of the New York Knicks team in 1999. in the NBA Finals.
“We absolutely can make an impact and reduce prejudice or hate crime, so join us in protecting our communities from hate crime – together,” said Baker, who has played for six NBA teams, including the Boston Celtics, and serves as an assistant. coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, including the team that won the title last year.
Hate crimes can be reported to local police or by calling the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, Sundberg said.