TRENTON – Senate President Nick Scutari issued the following statement condemning the hate-filled sentiments expressed at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden:

“The disparaging sentiments expressed at the Trump rally are deplorable. They defile the time-honored American values of tolerance and inclusivity. There are no excuses for spreading this type of hate-filled rhetoric and it has no place in any public discourse.

“The insults targeting Puerto Ricans were especially repulsive. Puerto Ricans are valued citizens who have served our country with distinction and have advanced the cultural, economic and social progress of New Jersey and America. This is exemplified by the exceptionable contributions from Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, the first Latina to serve in that position, and the other Senators of Latina heritage who are members of Senate leadership and the Democratic caucus.

“We are a better country than what was heard from this so-called rally.”