Washington (WUSA9) — Police have released video of three suspects who reportedly attacked two gay men near the very busy and very popular U St. corridor.
Around 12:30 a.m., police say two men were assaulted by three suspects. During the assault, police say the suspects yelled homophobic slurs. The victims were taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The incident was captured by a nearby camera.
WARNING: The video released by D.C. police is graphic and may be disturbing to viewers.
A close friend of both victims talked to WUSA9 on Sunday evening.
“That’s a shame that people can just be beaten up for who they are. It’s not good,” said Jamie Sycamore.
Sycamore confirmed a photo showing one of the victims with a bloody face. WUSA9 blurred the victim’s face since police did not identify the two victims.
Sycamore told WUSA9 both suffered injuries.
“Couple broken bones. Probably a little shaken up,” he said.
WUSA9 spoke to Sycamore near Vermont and U Sts. W. Police say they responded to an aggravated assault just next door, near the 2000 block of 10 St. NW at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
In a statement, a Metropolitan Police Spokesperson wrote,“During the assault, the suspects yelled homophobic slurs.”
Police are investigating this as a possible hate crime.
Sycamore said he was told the assault took place closer to the Howard Theatre area, which is a few blocks down from the location police had responded to on Sunday morning.
There are multiple gay bars in the area. Many of the patrons said they’re upset and on edge as police continue to search for the suspects.
Sycamore, who is also running for the D.C. Ward 1 seat, sees this through a political lens.
“We have people coming out with tiki torches. Xenophobes, Nazi’s, racists and people are just (shaking his head) – I don’t know. It’s disappointing to see that it’s happening in our own backyard because you see it happening in Charlottesville. You see it happening over here, over there. You don’t ever think about it happening here in D.C.” he said.
Police say it’s still early in their investigation.
