BROOKLYN - U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-10) issued the following statement today after several conversations with Antiguan officials about the recent arrests and detention of six Brooklyn residents, who are now facing trial.

“I recently became aware of a deeply disturbing situation, involving six young people from Brooklyn, who were visiting Antigua.  I have been in contact with the Antiguan Charge d’Affaire at the State Department and the Antiguan Ambassador in an effort to resolve this matter diplomatically.  Based on those conversations, I am hopeful this situation can be resolved without a trial verdict.  I will have follow-up discussions today in my continued effort to resolve this matter and to bring these young people home safely and expeditiously.

These young people– who all appear to have good backgrounds – found themselves in a situation in which they believed they were being scammed by a taxi cab driver. What happened next is unclear.  According to the six people from Brooklyn, they became confused and afraid after plain clothes police officers suddenly surrounded them, and an altercation ensued.  The six were ultimately arrested and now face the prospect of a criminal trial.”

###

Return to Congressman Towns' website