Transgender man attacked after Orlando fundraiser in Seattle
SEATTLE -- Seattle police are working with the FBI to investigate an attack on a transgender man who was beaten after leaving a fundraiser for victims of the Orlando mass shooting.
The Wednesday night attack happened in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood just before midnight. Danni Askini, the executive director of the Gender Justice League, told The Seattle Times the assault victim is Michael Volz, a social worker and a former King County employee who was instrumental in creating the King County Transgender Resource Guide.
According to the police department's online blotter, the attacker said, "Hey, Happy Pride" before punching the man in the face.
The victim was left unconscious after being grabbed by the throat and assaulted further. Police say the man drove home after regaining consciousness. A friend drove the victim to the hospital and called police.
Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole said she was disgusted by what she is calling a "hateful attack."
"I want to assure the victim and the community that the SPD will leverage every resource to identify the suspect and bring him to justice," she said, according to CBS affiliate KIRO.
Police are asking for the public's help in finding the attacker.
Described as a male in his 20s with brown hair and a partial beard, the suspect was reportedly wearing an orange or copper-colored sweatshirt, blue jeans, and sandals at the time of the incident.
Volz spoke out against hate on Friday afternoon before the Transgender Pride Parade, reports the station.
"This is not an isolated incident. This is something that happens to our community frequently and we won't tolerate it anymore," said Volz.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.