Puerto Rican residents say controversial joke at Trump rally is an 'attack on their heritage'
In a statement, organizers of the Puerto Rican Day Parade condemned the comments as “outrageous, racist and misinformed,” noting Puerto Rico’s long-standing role in American society and its influence in elections.
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Puerto Rican residents in Brooklyn are reacting strongly to a recent joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.
Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as "an island of garbage' during his act.
Many in the community saw the remark as an attack on their heritage.
“These people have no reason at all to call Puerto Rico garbage…it’s an insult,” said Radames Millan, a Brooklyn business owner.
Danny Rivera, a local veteran, had planned to vote for Trump, but he says the comment shifted his decision.
"We have given so much to this country... I did feel offended," he said.
In a statement, organizers of the Puerto Rican Day Parade condemned the comments as “outrageous, racist and misinformed,” noting Puerto Rico’s long-standing role in American society and its influence in elections.
In response to the backlash, the Trump campaign distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks, saying the joke did not represent the campaign’s views.
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