Boston Police Investigate Possible Hate Crime After Gay Couple Attacked with Bat

Boston police have launched a hate crime investigation after a gay couple was violently attacked in the Mattapan neighborhood on the evening of September 13, 2025. The incident, which occurred outside a liquor store on River Street, has prompted urgent calls for information and renewed attention to the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ people in the city .

According to a Boston Police Department incident report, the assault began after the couple approached a group of men gathered near a liquor store around 7:45 p.m. The group allegedly directed anti-gay slurs at the couple, some of which were spoken in Haitian Creole, escalating into a confrontation .

During the altercation, one of the victims was struck in the head with a baseball bat. Responding officers found him bleeding from the back of his head in a River Street parking lot. He was transported by Boston Emergency Medical Services to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for evaluation. The second victim was brought to the District B-3 police station in Mattapan, where detectives interviewed him regarding the assault .

Names of the victims were redacted from the police report to protect their privacy. As of the most recent updates, no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident has sparked strong reactions from Boston officials and the wider LGBTQ+ community. A city spokesperson condemned the violence, stating, “Hate is never tolerated in Boston. Our thoughts go out to the two victims, and we ask anyone with information to contact Boston Police. The BPD Civil Rights Division is investigating this incident thoroughly” .

A witness to the attack, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation, confirmed that anti-gay language was used during the confrontation. “It was not right,” the witness said. “I was mad” .

Security camera footage from a nearby building reportedly captured part of the incident, which may assist investigators as they seek to identify the assailants and determine whether the attack meets the legal criteria for prosecution as a hate crime.

The attack in Mattapan comes amid ongoing national concern about violence targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to recent FBI hate crime statistics, bias-motivated crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity have risen in recent years, with many incidents involving physical assault or threats of violence .

Boston, widely regarded for its active LGBTQ+ community and history of advocacy, has nonetheless seen periodic incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and violence. The city’s Civil Rights Division works in partnership with local organizations to support victims and ensure hate crime cases are thoroughly investigated .

Local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have expressed solidarity with the victims and emphasized the importance of reporting hate-motivated violence. Representatives from Boston Pride for the People and other organizations have called for increased visibility, support, and resources for LGBTQ+ residents, particularly in neighborhoods that may face heightened discrimination or isolation.

“We are deeply troubled by this attack and stand with the victims,” said a spokesperson for Boston Pride for the People. “No one should have to fear for their safety because of who they are or who they love. We urge the community to remain vigilant, support one another, and demand justice” .

The Fenway Health Violence Recovery Program, which provides crisis counseling and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of violence, has also reiterated its commitment to support victims and promote healing .

As the investigation continues, Boston police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Boston Police Department or through community hotlines operated by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups .

A spokesperson for the Boston Police Department indicated that the Civil Rights Division is leading the investigation and working closely with community partners to ensure accountability and support for the victims.

The Mattapan attack has renewed urgent conversations about the need for safe, inclusive spaces and robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ people. Advocates stress that while Boston has made significant strides in promoting equality, ongoing education, outreach, and law enforcement training remain essential to preventing hate-fueled violence.

City officials have reiterated Boston’s commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. “We will not tolerate hate in our city,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring all residents feel safe” .

Individuals affected by hate crimes or seeking support can contact the following resources:

- Boston Police Civil Rights Unit: (617) 343-4527
- Fenway Health Violence Recovery Program: (617) 927-6250
- The Network/La Red (support for LGBTQ+ survivors of abuse): (617) 742-4911

Community leaders encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences hate-motivated violence to report incidents promptly and seek available support services.

As the investigation into this violent attack continues, Boston’s LGBTQ+ community and city officials are united in their resolve to confront hate and ensure justice for the victims. The broader community is urged to stand in solidarity, remain vigilant, and work collectively toward a safer, more inclusive city for all.