Gov. Hochul, NYCLU, Minnesota governor, and others condemn murder of Sam Nordquist

By News10NBC
Updated: February 17, 2025 - 1:28 PM
Published: February 15, 2025 - 6:18 PM
Sam Nordquist (provided photo)

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Officials across the state and the nation are reacting to the murder of Sam Nordquist, the transgender man who was tortured for over a month and murdered in Ontario County.

Nordquist’s family told News10NBC that he traveled from Minnesota to the Finger Lakes region to meet his girlfriend who he connected with online. The Ontario County District Attorney’s Office said on Sunday that there’s no indication at this time that Nordquist’s murder was a hate crime.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she is directing New York State Police to resources to investigate the murder, including whether it was a hate crime. Here is her statement:

“Late last week, the New York State Police and local law enforcement announced the arrest of five individuals in connection to the horrific and brutal killing of Sam Nordquist. The charges against these individuals are sickening and all New Yorkers should join together to condemn this horrific act. We are praying for Sam Nordquist’s family, community and loved ones who are experiencing unimaginable grief.”

“I have directed State Police to provide any and all support and resources to the District Attorney as they continue their investigation, including into whether this was a hate crime. Additionally, the New York State Office of Victim Services at my direction has contacted local officials to connect the victim’s family with services and support. I have also directed the New York State Division of Human Rights Hate and Bias Prevention Unit to offer assistance and support to all community members affected by this terrible act of violence. There must be justice for Sam Nordquist.”

Minnesota governor and former Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz also condemned the murder in a social media post.

“This is deeply disturbing. Minnesota stands with our LGBTQ neighbors against this unthinkable crime. I’m grateful to the law enforcement agencies investigating. Gwen and I send our deepest condolences to Sam’s family and community.”

Rochester City Councilmembers Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin, and Kim Smith shares their support and condolences to the family of Sam Nordquist. They released a statement in part stating:

“We mourn the loss of Sam Nordquist, a trans man whose life was taken in a horrific act of violence. Our hearts are with Sam’s family, friends, and loved ones. No family should have to endure such a loss—we send them our deepest condolences and unwavering support.”

The statement says that everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and the freedom to be themselves without fear:

“At a time when hostility toward LGBTQIA+ people is rising—as federal orders attempt to erase the word trans from the public record—we must hold firm in our commitment to fiercely defending and protecting our trans neighbors. The progress we have made was hard-won, and we will not allow it to be lost.”

The New York Civil Liberties Union called for justice in a statement and said transgender people are more likely to be targeted by violence than other groups.

“We are heartbroken by the horrific murder of Sam Nordquist and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Sam was killed in a gruesome act of violence and should be alive today.”

“This tragedy comes at a time of nationwide attacks against trans people, led by a federal administration hellbent on erasing their existence. Transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime, and the vast majority of victims are people of color.”

“The NYCLU calls for justice and will continue to fight to ensure that all people can live as their authentic selves, with dignity, safety and free from violence.”

For transgender people in need of support, there are resources below: