American tourists Scott Kelleher (left) and Jacob Ulgenes were assaulted in Paihia only 48 hours after arriving.
Open letter from the father of attack victim Jacob Ulgenes:
Dear editor, friends and residents of Paihia,
My son was the young man whose jaw was broken and [who] had surgery to repair his jaw. I want to thank you for the kindness, care, and attention you have given my
son and his friends as a result of this unfortunate incident.
We realise it was a random act of violence and does not reflect your community or nation. My son said the police were professional, thorough, and showed great compassion to him.
The medical care he received was wonderful. We're surprised that your nation covers emergency medical costs for tourists. He and his friends were even offered a home for recovery.
