Statement from Governor David A. Paterson
April 2, 2010
"One year ago tomorrow, the City of Binghamton experienced a profound loss when thirteen lives were cut tragically short in an unconscionable attack at the American Civic Association. Among those killed were local staff members, as well as immigrants who had arrived in New York from across the globe – from the Philippines, Iraq, China, Haiti, Vietnam, Brazil and Pakistan. Each one called the Southern Tier home.
"On that April day, people from many nations came together with a common dream – to learn English and to pursue American citizenship. In an unthinkable expression of violence, one individual's heinous actions thwarted that dream.
"The healing continues today as we honor the memories of those killed one year ago. The American Civic Association has since reopened and continues in their unwavering commitment to helping those in pursuit of the American dream. On behalf of all New Yorkers, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."
