Brutal Hate Crime Stabbings in London Prompt Community Support
London's mayor, along with a "Drag Race" queen and others, are speaking out in support of two men who were stabbed in front of a gay bar by a stranger who suddenly attacked and then fled into the night.
NBC News detailed that the victims - one a man in his 20s, the other in his 30s - were attacked outside of Two Brewers bar in London on the evening of Aug. 13. The men "were treated at a local hospital and have since been released, according to a statement by London's Metropolitan Police," NBC News said. "Police did not name the victims nor disclose their sexual orientations."
But one of the men, identified only as Neil, took to Instagram to post his response to the knife attack, which is being investigated as a homophobic hate crime, British newspaper the Evening Standard wrote.
"I've not been left feeling sad, nor angry, or confused," Neil posted. "I've just been left so many questions," among them how anyone "can feel it's okay [to] attack anyone... whatever their reason... and how we change that," the post continued.
Neil went on to declare that the attack has only made him more determined to stand up, writing that he "would NEVER change" his sexuality "for the world..."
"What today has strengthened in me more than ever before," Neil posted, "is that I could never, and have never [been] prouder, happier, or more comforted by the community I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family."
Well-wishers flocked to offer encouraging words, while elsewhere on social media London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the horrific attack and called out "those who stoke up hate and vilify LGBTQ+ people for your own agenda," saying, "you're part of the problem... Your culture war has real-life consequences."
Added Mayor Khan: "It's also a tragic reminder of why we need Pride. My thoughts are with the victims and with the LGBTQ+ community who are undoubtedly feeling frightened and upset. 🧵"
UK newspaper the Daily Mail reported that the suspect was "captured on CCTV near the club," the suspect seen wearing a hooded jacket with the lower part of his face covered up.
London police are taking the attack seriously. The day after the hate crime, Detective Inspector Gary Castle stated, "We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible."
Moreover, Det. Inspector Castle added, "We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advice on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have."
Baga Chipz, a drag performer who starred on "Drag Race UK" and works at Two Brewers Pub, told a local news channel, "I'm angry, but I'm also shocked, because these are our safe spaces, this is where LGBTQ+ people go to have fun, have a drink, let their hair down and you can't even be safe."
"It's shocking and disgusting that in 2023 this is becoming frighteningly more frequent," another drag performer, Mary Mac - "who was at the venue on Sunday," according to the Evening Standard - said.
Mary Mac's assertion is founded in fact. NBC News noted that "The London stabbing comes amid a surge in reported hate crimes against LGBTQ Britons in recent years."
"From 2017 to 2022, hate crimes based on sexual orientation rose in England and Wales by 41%, according to data released by the British government last year. Hate crimes against transgender Britons rose by 56% during the same time period," the news outlet added.