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Two Gay Men Were Assaulted in Possible Hate Crime Leaving California Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco

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The Bay Area Reporter is reporting that San Francisco police have arrested a man in connection with an alleged attack on two gay men who were in the city last weekend for the California Democratic Party convention. 

The victims, ages 21 and 23, told police they had been struck in the face by a male suspect who had used homophobic slurs immediately prior to the attack, which took place Sunday, June 2, at 12:50 a.m. outside Southside Spirit House, 575 Howard Street.

Griffin Murray, 27, of San Francisco, was located by police a few blocks away from the incident. Murray was cited and released on two counts of misdemeanor battery, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

The incident took place following the Saturday night session of the state Democratic Party’s convention at nearby Moscone Center. Both victims were in town to attend the convention.

The timing of the incident prompted alarmed responses from party officials and local public figures who were concerned by homophobic violence in a city known as a haven for the LGBTQ community. 

David Campos, a gay man and chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, denounced the incident in a Facebook post.

“Any hate crime is unacceptable. That it would happen in San Francisco is heartbreaking and infuriating,” Campos, a former city supervisor, wrote. “San Francisco has a long history of embracing the LGBTQ community and has zero tolerance for any homophobic, transphobic, or racist act. Unfortunately, hate still exists in our society, especially in these times, and even here in progressive San Francisco. 

Glad the San Francisco Police Department made an arrest and is treating this homophobic attack as a hate crime. Hate crimes should not be tolerated anywhere, especially here in San Francisco. Once again, it’s terrifying that this happened during the California Democratic Party Convention. Our hearts go out to the victims.

“My heart goes out to the victims and I call upon the San Francisco Police Department and our district attorney to conduct a full and swift investigation treating this as what it is, a hate crime,” Campos added. “That this would happen after a Democratic Party event, here in San Francisco of all places, reminds all that we have much work to do. We must stand together against hatred and violence.”

Anyone who has more information about the crime can call the San Francisco Police Department tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, beginning the message with “SFPD.” 

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