SLC police investigates assault as possible hate crime

SALT LAKE CITY — An assault involving hate speech is being investigated by the Salt Lake City Police Department.

According to a release from the department, “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 approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, the police department was told of an assault in progress near 154 W. 600 South.

The release explains that a group of three people in their young 20s had been at an event celebrating Pride and were walking when they witnessed a fight between a man and a woman.

A man from the group attempted to intervene in the fight when the suspect directed his attention toward the man trying to help stop the fight. The suspect then started yelling “hate speech” according to the release and “punched the man who tried to help.”

The victim’s two friends made attempts to stop the assault and were punched as well.

“The suspect continued to use homophobic hate speech toward all three victims.”

According to witness statements, the suspect and the group of three had met at a prior event on Saturday into Sunday.

The assault resulted in minor injuries to two of the victims.

One victim suffered a head injury but chose not to be transported to the hospital or to receive medical treatment.

Officers were unable to locate the suspect, but are working with the limited details they have to further the investigation.

Because of the hate speech used, this assault is being investigated as a hate crime.

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 No. 22-105521.