Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BOSTON (AP) — Two brothers charged with beating a homeless Mexican man after being inspired in part by Donald Trump's views on immigrants were ordered held without bail Thursday.
Scott and Steve Leader waived their right to a dangerousness hearing and were held until their trial, which is scheduled to start Oct. 1, the Suffolk district attorney's office said. They have pleaded not guilty to several charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The Leaders were arrested Aug. 19 after the 58-year-old man was beaten while he slept near a Boston subway station.
Scott Leader, 38, told troopers after his arrest: "Donald Trump was right, all these illegals need to be deported," according to a state police report.
The Republican presidential candidate denounced the attack.
"Boston incident is terrible. We need energy and passion, but we must treat each other with respect," Trump tweeted. "I would never condone violence."
The brothers came across the man while heading home from a Boston Red Sox game and proceeded to urinate on him, punch him and beat him with a metal pole while he slept, then walked away laughing, prosecutors said. Witnesses flagged down a state trooper. The man was treated for a broken nose, serious bruises and other injuries.
The Leaders have a history of violent behavior, according to law enforcement, including crimes against minorities.
Their lawyers have not commented.
Scott Leader told police the victim instigated the confrontation. His girlfriend defended him Thursday, telling The Boston Globe she is part Hispanic.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
