Transgender Woman Says Dearborn Bar Attack Was a Hate Crime

DEARBORN, MI — Police put out a brief statement Thursday saying they still piecing together what prompted a violent fight outside a Dearborn bar early Wednesday morning, but the victim says the reason isn’t a mystery: She’s transgender, and she wants police to investigate the attack as a hate crime.

Courtney Purvis posted a video on her Facebook page that showed her blood-soaked shirt and abrasions resulting from the fight.

“They hit me in my face because I’m transgender,” she said on the video. “And they treated me like I did something wrong. I’ve been attacked. Trans lives matter, too, and I don’t understand why they attacked me like this.”

Purvis, who wasn’t identified in the statement from police, was inside the west Dearborn bar about 1:50 a.m. Wednesday when another patron made a “derogatory remark,” authorities said. A bouncer escorted both outside, and the fight became physical.

Purvis was stabbed in the back and struck in the face with a bottle, according to police. She was treated at a local hospital and releases.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the argument and attack to contact them.

• Dearborn Police Seek Witnesses to Fight Starting with 'Derogatory Remark'

“I am asking anyone with information to please come forward and assist us in this investigation," Police Chief Ronald Haddad said in the release. “It’s important that we gather all the facts to determine what happened and to ensure that the perpetrator is held responsible.”

How to Report a Tip

Dearborn Police Dept: (313) 943-2241

Crime Stoppers: (800) SPEAK UP — (800) 773-2587)

Online: www.1800speakup.org

Text: CSM your tip to CRIMES (274637)