In a tragic turn of events, a 17-year-old suspect has been charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the fatal stabbing of O'Shae Sibley in Brooklyn on July 29. The LGBTQ Community Center has wasted no time in organizing a memorial and candlelight vigil to honor Sibley, which will take place on Saturday night.

At the site of the gas station where Sibley lost his life, heartfelt tributes have been left by members of the community. Flowers, balloons, and Pride flags now adorn the area as a poignant reminder of the life that was taken away too soon.

Mayor Eric Adams, along with advocates and officials, addressed the media on Saturday to express their condolences and condemn the violence that occurred. Mayor Adams stressed the importance of New York City as a place where individuals are free to express themselves, emphasizing that such expressions should never lead to any form of violence.

The suspect, who is a minor and therefore not being identified, allegedly stabbed Sibley with a single wound. Witnesses reported that prior to the attack, the suspect, who is Muslim, made homophobic and racist comments. This has prompted advocates within the Islamic community to speak out against the violence and express their condemnation of the murder.

On Friday night, a rally was held in Brooklyn to honor Sibley, with participants showcasing their dance skills before embarking on a march through the streets. Sibley was a well-known dancer and a member of the ballroom community, which primarily consists of LGBTQ+ men of color. The outpouring of support for Sibley and his family on social media has been immense, with even Beyonc?© herself posting about his death on her website.

The upcoming vigil on Saturday will commence at the LGBTQ Community Center and will be followed by a march to Pier 74, approximately 20 minutes away. This incident has sparked outrage within the LGBT community and has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of hate crimes and discrimination.

NYPD Assistant Chief Joe Kenny reiterated the importance of addressing and combating hate crimes, emphasizing that such senseless violence has no place in society. As the investigation into Sibley's murder continues, the community will come together to remember and honor him while advocating for justice and equality.