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The New York Post reports that the NYPD has issued a warning that teams of muggers are targeting gay men leaving bars in the West Village area. Some of the recent attacks:
Between April 11 and 27 at least five men were mugged in five separate incidents in the area around Seventh Avenue South and Christopher Street typically in the early hours of the morning. Many of the victims, who were all alone when attacked, hail from New Jersey. They were coming from bars including Kettle of Fish, Ty’s Bar and Hangar Bar, according to police sources. On April 11, a 27-year-old man from New Jersey was surrounded by five men who restrained him and rifled through his pockets, fleeing with his phone and drivers license, police sources said. On April 15, a 69-year-old man from Trenton was attacked from behind by two men, knocked to the ground and had his wallet stolen. Another attack occurred April 25 at 4 a.m. on the corner Seventh Avenue South and Christopher Street when a 32-year-old man was mugged by three men after he left the Kettle of Fish bar. The next day a 27-year-old male from Jersey City was mugged by a lone assailant who made off with his wallet.That many of the victims are from New Jersey tells us that the muggers may be focused on those heading for the PATH train.
Last night the NYPD made an arrest in last week's gay bashing of Damian Furtch, who was treated for facial injuries after being attacked outside a West Village McDonald's. The suspect has admitted to the assault, but says he shouldn't be charged with a hate crime because he's gay himself.
Cops busted a 21-year-old homeless man Friday night in connection with the vicious beatdown of a gay man in Greenwich Village. Anthony Bray, collared in Bushwick, Brooklyn, confessed to attacking Damian Furtch outside a McDonald's on W. Third St. - but insisted it wasn't a bias attack because he is also gay. Bray told cops he pummeled Furtch, 26, "because he was disrespectful to him," sources said. Bray, who has prior arrests for marijuana possession, graffitti and robbery, was charged with misdemeanor assault.Cops say they haven't yet ruled out the hate crime charge. Furtch says the altercation began when his attackers mocked him for his bright pink shirt, which is part of his restaurant uniform.
Surveillance video has been released of this weekend's gay bashing of Damian Furtch, 26, on a West Village street. GLAAD has been advising Furtch, who eloquently spoke out against the attack on local news channels last night. Furtch to GLAAD: "The attack against me is part of the larger issue of violence against gay and transgender people in New York City. While I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, I hope to shed light on the larger issue of violence against my community. This has to stop. Under no circumstance should a person be attacked for their sexual orientation." Openly gay NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, in whose district the attack occurred, spent time yesterday handing out flyers near the crime scene. No suspects have yet been apprehended.
New York City's month-long rash of gay bashings continued this weekend. JMG reader Warren directs us to this account on the blog Watts Up With This.
26 year old Damian Furtch was on his way home from work at a restaurant late Sat night (Sunday morning), when he stopped off at a McDonalds in NYC’s West Village ( a predominantly gay area) to get some food. It was approx. 4:30 am. While inside the restaurant Damian noticed 2 men staring at him – giving him “looks” – we have all been there, we know what this feels like. It was late, Damian was tired, he felt uncomfortable and he didn’t want any trouble so he left. He was across the street, walking away while on the phone to a friend when the 2 men from McDonalds approached him and asked him “if he had a problem” before he knew it he was punched in the face by one man, then instantly felt another punch by the second perp, and then he heard it – “You Fucking Faggot” , the words as hurtful as the punches.According to the above-linked blog post, the NYPD is investigating the attack as a hate crime. Surveillance video provided by McDonald's may help. Furtch was treated for his injuries and released after his face was stitched up. He has posted numerous photos of his injuries on his Facebook page.
