Attackers Continue Assault Online

A Connecticut man says he was kicked and beaten across his head and jaw by at least three attackers Tuesday in New Haven. The assault lasted for several minutes, he says, but afterwards several passersby refused to help.

â€œIt felt like 10 years, but it had to be around seven minutes max,â€ the man, whose name is not being released, told the New Haven Register. â€œIt happens [sic] so fast. I thought I was going to die.â€

The man, who is 26-years old, said he was first struck by a fist to the back of his head, then to his jaw. The beating continued until he hit the ground, where he was repeatedly kicked.Â

“The individuals used gay slurs while attacking the man, who is gay and said he believes his sexual orientation played a role in the attack,” the Register reports.

The man says there were at least three attackers. He could identify one as male, one as female.

New Haven Police are investigating but have yet to call the assault a hate crime, despite the anti-gay slurs reportedly used. The assailants stole his cell phone, driver’s license, social security card, and a credit card.Â

He says at least three people he asked refused to call the police for help, despite him bleeding.

Having stole his ID, the attackers have been able to track him down on Facebook, where the assault is continuing.

“The victim said he believes the alleged attackers have created Facebook accounts to harass him on the social media website. The account has been posting remarks on the Facebook updates and made specific references to the attack,” the Register adds.

After informing New Haven police, the victim said he was advised to notify Hartford police about the online harassment. He said the Facebook page is treating the attack as a joke. â€œIâ€™m being harassed at home,â€ the victim said. â€œThis is concerning cyber-bullying.â€

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Hat tip: NewNowNext

Image by david via Flickr and a CC license