Puerto Ricans in Connecticut are expressing hurt and outrage over comments a comedian made during a rally in support for former President Donald Trump.
Comedian and podcast host Tony Hinchcliffe compared Puerto Rico to a “floating island of garbage” during Trump’s event Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
“This is about respecting a community, respecting our culture, this is just plainly offensive,” CICD Puerto Rican Parade, Inc. Hartford Chapter Director Amilcar Hernandez said.
Hernandez and others said the statement was demeaning and disregards the contributions Puerto Ricans have made to the country.
“Not only [do] we have Supreme Court justices, now we have NASA astronauts, we have politicians, we have doctors, we have lawyers,” Hernandez said.
Reps. Minnie Gonzalez (D-Hartford) and Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) also issued a joint statement condemning the comments.
“Respect for all people should be non-negotiable, regardless of political affiliation or platform,” they said. “Puerto Rico’s unique history and culture as a U.S. territory deserve acknowledgment, not mockery.”
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