Gay Couple Attacked In Downtown Austin For Holding Hands

AUSTIN, TEXAS — A gay couple was assaulted while holding hands as they celebrated a birthday in downtown Austin over the weekend, according to police.

Police were alerted to the incident at the corner of 3rd Street and Congress Avenue just before 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. Two adult males had signs of injury after being beaten up badly. The two men were subjected to expletive-filled rants from their attackers before being physically assaulted, according to police.

The gay couple shared their harrowing story with KXAN. Spencer Deehring and Tristan Perry said they were holding hands as they frequented bars along the entertainment corridor in celebrating a friend's birthday. As they exited a nightclub, a man passed them while uttering a homophobic slur, the victims told the news station.

The man then called his friends, who started to follow the couple menacingly before they were beaten up, according to the report. Perry suffered a laceration to the back of his head, a broken nose and swelling to his face, a busted lip and chipped teeth. He also is now suffering from neck and upper back pain as a result of the attack, the news station reported. Deehring suffered swelling to his mouth and jaw along with lacerations on his forehead that required application of skin glue.

Were it not for a witness calling 911, Deehring said, the attack may have proven fatal. "If the bystander had not been there [the attackers] may have continued, it may have been much worse," he told KXAN.

According to the victims, one suspect is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a blue shirt with white stripes (polo style). The other suspect is described as a white male who was shirtless at the time of the attack.

In a press advisory, police said they continue to investigate by speaking to witnesses and canvassing the area for any video that might yield information related to the suspects. The victims have been provided with a victim services counselor, officials noted.

Anyone with information or who were in the area of 3rd St. and Congress Ave. the night of the attack are urged to call APD immediately (512) 974-9207 or submit tips via Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES or use the new Crime Stoppers App.You may remain anonymous.You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhoneand Android

"APD is currently investigating this as a hate crime and we want our community to know we do not tolerate these types of crimes," police added.

Meanwhile, the owners of a pair of downtown gay clubs named Rain on 4th Street and Oilcan Harry's have pooled their resources in offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

"For too long gay bashings have threatened our community," officials of The Rain wrote on Facebook. "Historically and still to this day establishments like ours have provided sanctuary and security from these incidents. At Rain on 4th and Oilcan Harry’s we strive daily to provide a safe and tolerant environment for our community, and our actions do not stop at our doors. We will not stand by when our customers and community members are brutally assaulted simply for expressing their love."

The bar owners have been in contact with the offices of Mayor Steve Adler and Police Chief Brian Manley as the investigation into the attacks continues. "We will continue to coordinate resources and actions to help ensure this crime is fully investigated and prosecuted," officials at The Rain wrote. "We are also working together on community safety measures to ensure we send a strong message that threats in the warehouse district will not be ignored."

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