WASHINGTON, DC — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) expresses deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent sentencing of Christian Lentz, the perpetrator in the 2023 violent assault of 75-year-old Filipino American Amadeo Quindara of Las Vegas. Despite the acknowledged racial bias behind the attack, Lentz was sentenced to only 90 days in jail, five years of probation, and $7,000 in restitution after pleading guilty under a mentally ill plea.
The assault occurred on May 30, 2023, while Quindara was peacefully seated in his garage. The assailant first shouted hateful remarks and returned moments later to violently strike Quindara while yelling, “Die, die, die.” The incident left Quindara with a head laceration, memory loss, and long-term emotional trauma.
“This sentence does not reflect the gravity of what Mr. Quindara endured,” said Ryan Namata, NaFFAA national president. “This was more than a personal attack — it was an affront to the dignity of our elders and our community. We stand united in calling for accountability, safety, and justice.”
“Let this moment serve not as an ending, but as a catalyst,” said Mariela Fletcher, NaFFAA national chair. “We honor Mr. Quindara’s strength and his family’s courage. Our work continues—ensuring that Filipino Americans and all communities can live free from fear and that hate is met with collective resolve, not silence.”
NaFFAA Nevada has mobilized local leaders, legal advocates, and community members to bring attention to this case and the broader implications of weak sentencing in hate-motivated crimes.
“This is a sobering reminder that hate still exists in our neighborhoods—and that justice must be pursued with vigilance,” said Jacqueline de Joya, president of NaFFAA Nevada. “We urge leaders, law enforcement, and communities to strengthen hate crime enforcement, expand mental health support without excusing violence, and provide meaningful resources for victims.”
“After two years of waiting for justice, this outcome is deeply disheartening,” added Gloria Caoile, senior advisor of NaFFAA Nevada. “This wasn’t just an assault on Mr. Quindara — it was a violation of our shared humanity. But we will not be silent. We will educate, advocate, and stand together.”
NaFFAA Desert Mountain Region President Sally Balecha adds, “As a member of a community that has witnessed the Quindara family endure unimaginable hardship with grace, courage, and unwavering dignity — their strength has been a beacon for many of us, especially for those who have felt unseen and unheard in moments of injustice.
“While I remain deeply proud of the way our community has stood in solidarity with the Quindaras, I must also express my profound disappointment in the sentencing decision handed down by the court. The judgment, in my view, failed to reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted and the extraordinary resilience shown by those who survived it. It is difficult to reconcile the weight of truth, with the lightness of consequence. The Quindaras deserved more than acknowledgement, they deserved true accountability. As a community, we have walked alongside them from the beginning of this fight to this day. To see it end with nothing more than disappointment is a deep and painful reminder that justice, too often, falls short.”
NaFFAA reaffirms its commitment to protecting and empowering the Filipino American community and all vulnerable communities across the country. Through its National Anti-Hate Crimes Task Force, established in response to rising acts of violence, NaFFAA continues to advance comprehensive victim support, strengthen hate crime legislation, and lead public education campaigns to dismantle racial prejudice.
As we reflect on this verdict, NaFFAA urges local and national leaders to:
- Strengthen hate crime sentencing and enforcement standards
- Expand access to mental health care without excusing racial violence
- Provide trauma-informed support for victims and families
- Educate the public to uproot bias and build inclusive communities
This moment must not be the end—it must be a turning point.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and Los Angeles Education Leaders
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