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Boston — Police are investigating a violent assault on a gay couple in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston as a possible hate crime, authorities say. The incident occurred on the evening of September 13, when the couple—walking to a convenience store on River Street around 7:45 p.m.—said they were met with anti-gay insults by a group of men, People noted.

According to reports, after the verbal harassment, the altercation escalated. Two men “were seen swinging unidentifiable objects at the victims.” During the confrontation, one of the victims was struck in the head—allegedly with a baseball bat—and was later found lying in a parking lot, bleeding. He was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for treatment; his condition has not yet been publicly disclosed.

The Boston Police Department’s Civil Rights Division is leading the investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made. A police spokesperson emphasized that authorities are treating the case with seriousness and asked anyone with information to contact investigators.

Community advocates expressed alarm and concern about the climate for LGBTQ+ residents. “Hate is never tolerated in Boston,” a city spokesperson said. “Our thoughts go out to the two victims, and we ask anyone with information to contact Boston Police.”

GLAD Law, a Massachusetts-based LGBTQ civil rights organization, also weighed in. “We’re just generally concerned about the hostile political moment that we’re in right now and the increased fear that many people in our community are experiencing,” said Josh Rovenger, GLAD’s legal director, to NBC Boston.

This attack comes amid growing reports of violence and intimidation targeting LGBTQ+ people nationwide. In Boston, the incident is being coded as aggravated assault and a possible hate crime, reflecting the growing priority being placed on bias-motivated violence.

Police encourage witnesses or anyone with tips to report them to Boston’s CrimeStoppers line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting TIP to CRIME (27463). For more information, read here and here.

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