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 PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

June 6, 2022

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Investigating Assault with Hate Speech Used, Tips Sought

 

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating an assault that included hate speech being used.

This investigation is in the early stages, but the Salt Lake City Police Department wants to alert our community about the incident and to reassure our community that we are aware of the incident and that the case is being investigated.

At this point, the assault does not appear to be targeted, nor does it appear to be a stranger-on-stranger attack.  The specific motive to the assault remains unknown. However, because hate speech was used during the assault, this case is being investigated as a potential hate crime.

Salt Lake City Police Department Chief Mike Brown notified the Utah Pride Center of the incident prior to this release.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday June 5, 2022, the Salt Lake City Police Department received information about an assault in progress near 154 West 600 South.

Based on the preliminary information, a group of three people, in their young 20s, had been at an event celebrating Pride and were walking when they saw a fight between a man and a woman.

A man from the initial group attempted to intervene when the suspect directed his attention toward the man who tried to help stop the fight. The suspect and the group of three had met earlier at a prior event on Saturday June 4th into Sunday June 5th, according to witness statements.

The suspect then started yelling hate speech and punched the man who tried to help.

The victim’s two friends tried to stop the assault, but they too were punched. The suspect continued to use homophobic hate speech toward all three victims.

The suspect’s assault caused minor injuries to two of the victims.

The third person suffered a head injury but chose not to be transported to the hospital by paramedics or to receive medical treatment at the scene and left with friends.

Officers attempted to locate the suspect but could not find him. Officers have developed some limited information on the suspect’s identity and will be working to further the investigation.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is asking that anyone with information about this case, including photos or videos, to please call 801-799-3000 and reference case number 22-105521.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is trained on investigating hate crimes and responding in a victim-centered, trauma-informed way.

When a person’s rights are infringed upon by violence, threats or other harassment, the Salt Lake City Police Department will utilize all available resources to see that justice is served under the law.

If you are the victim of a hate crime or any other crime and need to speak with an SLCPD victim advocate, please call their 24/7 hotline at 801-580-7969

To report a hate crime, call 9-1-1.

An SLCPD PIO will be available for interviews. Media interested should please email PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com.

 

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