BALTIMORE – Seven students from Salisbury University are under scrutiny after being charged with a hate crime following an alleged violent assault on an individual targeted for his sexual orientation. The October 15th incident, which transpired in an apartment near the university campus, reportedly involved the use of anti-gay slurs and physical violence.
The attack began when the victim was deceived through a fake profile on Grindr, a popular dating app. Believing he was meeting a 16-year-old for a sexual encounter, the victim arrived at the location only to be ambushed by approximately 15 male attackers, as per legal documents. The attackers, emerging from various hiding spots within the apartment, proceeded to physically assault the victim by slapping, punching, kicking, and spitting on him, all while yelling derogatory terms.
Court documents further reveal that one of the assailants, wearing a Salisbury University hoodie, intensified the brutality by hitting the victim multiple times with a cooking sheet, coupled with verbal and physical abuses throughout the attack.
Mark DeLancey, executive director of Salisbury PFLAG, which advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, expressed his dismay and outrage over the incident. He emphasized the profound impact of such violence, stating that it highlights a concerning sense of vulnerability and unsafety that can prevail in any community.
The aftermath of the attack left the victim both physically and emotionally scarred, managing to escape only after several attempts. Fearing for his life and consequent retaliation, he hesitated to report the incident initially. It was only later discovered through a video, captured by one of the assailants, that showed the victim’s license plate as he fled the scene, leading to police intervention.
Salisbury University has responded decisively to the incident, condemning the violence and asserting that such actions starkly contrast the institution’s values. Jason Rhodes, a spokesperson for the university, asserted, “Hate has no place at SU,” highlighting their commitment to a safe and welcoming environment.
Further complicating the legal proceedings, Steven Rakow, defense attorney for one of the accused, claimed his client, Riley Brister, plans to plead not guilty, suggesting that there is more to the story than currently publicized.
In a poignant address to the university community, Dr. Carolyn Ringer Lepre, president of Salisbury University, expressed her shock and distress over the allegations. She emphasized the stark dissonance between the university’s ideals of community and respect, and the egregious nature of the crimes committed. Dr. Lepre urged the campus community to support each other and rely on university resources during these challenging times, stressing the importance of due process and the investigatory proceedings that are to follow.
The Salisbury Police have made an appeal to the public, urging anyone with more information or similar experiences to come forward as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the university has taken interim suspension actions against the involved students, upholding student conduct and community standards amidst this ongoing legal and moral maelanomaly.