FILE PHOTOS
WASHINGTON – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has launched a nationwide campaign calling for “accountability, safety and justice” after the man who assaulted an elderly Filipino American in a hate-fueled attack was sentenced to 90 days.
NaFFAA, the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions and umbrella organizations, has expressed “deep concern and disappointment” regarding the recent sentencing of Christian Lentz, the perpetrator in the 2023 violent assault of 75-year-old Fil-Am Amadeo Quindara of Las Vegas.
You may like: Man sentenced to 90 days in jail for hate-crime attack on elderly Fil-Am
The attack left Quindara with deep cuts on his face and body, brain bleed, memory loss and permanent injuries.
Clark County District Court Judge Jennifer Schwartz earlier this week sentenced Lentz to 90 days in jail, five years of probation and $7,000 in restitution.
“This sentence does not reflect the gravity of what Mr. Quindara endured,” said NaFFAA National President Ryan Namata. “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.”
Quindara was in his garage on May 30, 2023, when Lentz threatened him, then returned to slam him to the ground and repeatedly punch him in the face. His wife later found him in a pool of blood.
In a security camera recording, Lentz could be heard saying Quindara would “be on a ventilator” and “die’” and racial slurs like, “You should speak English. You should speak English. You Japanese,” according to the KTNV report.
Lentz’ lawyer Mandy McKellar said his client was not in his right mind during the attack as he was suffering severe psychotic break from bipolar disorder.
Quindara’s son, Phillip, disagrees with this defense, saying: “Let’s be clear – this was not a random act; This was a hate crime. Christian Lenzt chose to target my father because he is Filipino American.”
“Let this moment serve not as an ending, but as a catalyst,” said NaFFAA National Chair Mariela Fletcher. “We honor Mr. Quindara’s strength and his family’s courage.
Fletcher said NaFFAA will continue to ensure 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 T. 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 silenced. We will educate, advocate, and stand together.”
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.
