A violent attack on a 76-year-old Binghamton man and his daughter by a group of girls has been called "disturbing" and "disgusting" by Mayor Richard David.

Police say several girls between the ages of 12 and 15 kicked, punched and bit the man and woman on Oak Street Saturday evening. The man, who said "hello" to the children before the assault, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

On WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Tuesday, the mayor asked: "Where are the parents and where is the supervision in a scenario such as this?"

Some city residents have wondered whether what police described as a "vicious" attack was being investigated as a hate crime.

David said he's "not sure if it meets the legal standard of a hate crime." He said police would have to make a determination in conjunction with the district attorney's office.

The mayor said the city is not considering a curfew for young people at this time. He said major policy decisions should not be made based on a single incident.

Police have said charges are expected to be filed in connection with the Oak Street attack.

Several girls attacked a 76-year-old man and his daughter on Oak Street near Cypress Street on May 4, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Several girls attacked a 76-year-old man and his daughter on Oak Street near Cypress Street on May 4, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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