Fernando Mateo, president of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, is telling cab drivers that for their own protection they should profile potential passengers who are black and Latino.

Mateo, who identifies himself as both black and Hispanic, made his comments this week after a livery cab driver was shot several times by a man police describe as Hispanic. The suspect was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, which Mateo has said is a red flag.

The private cab driver was fighting for his life after being shot at least four times by a robber who ended up getting less than $100.

Dramatic video released by New York police showed the struggle between the gunman and a driver.

Trevor Bell, 53, was working a late shift in Queens Friday, when he picked up a passenger on Merrick Boulevard just after 9:00pm and dropped him off at 122nd Street and Sutter Avenue in South Ozone Park.

The shooter had negotiated the fare before climbing into the car, police said but opened fire when he reached his destination.

Mateo’s comments have been denounced by many, including Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky, who said that “choosing which passengers to serve on the basis of race is illegal, downright wrong and simply unacceptable.”

Mateo came to Fox 5 News to debate the issue with Michael Meyers, the president of the New York Civil Rights Coalition.  Meyers called Mateo’s comments absurd and racist.

(Source: MyFoxNY)