In the wake of the death of Manhattan soldier Private Danny Chen, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants the Defense Department to conduct a system-wide review of incidents of hazing and racial discrimination in the armed services.

Private Chen, 19, died from what was ruled a self inflicted gunshot wound in October. In the months prior to his death, he wrote family members describing suffering bad treatment at the hands of his fellow soldiers including verbal abuse, being pelted with rocks and held upside down. The military charged eight people with wrongdoing in connection with his death.

“My deepest condolences go out to the Chen family,” Senator Gillibrand said in a statement. “I cannot imagine what they are going through as they mourn the senseless loss of their son. No soldier should have to mentally or physically fear another soldier. There is no room for discrimination and mistreatment in our military. We need to ensure that those responsible for this type of abuse are held accountable and we must take steps to prevent any more tragedies from happening.” Read More